That's where a road-maintenance proposal
that included the notion of a mill levy vote came to rest at the end
Monday's special meeting of the Archuleta County Board of
Commissioners.

After a brief recap, a few clarifications
and presentation of new elements from County Administrator Bill
Steele, as well as numerous public comments criticizing the proposal,
the board elected to halt pursuit of a related ballot question.

As a result, voters who participate in the
Nov. 2 general election will not be asked to consider whether or not
they are in favor of a mill levy increase aimed at revamping the
county's road maintenance program.

Monday's session inside a packed courthouse
meeting room picked up where last Tuesday's meeting ended, with
sentiments split as to whether or not the proposal was complete
enough to move forward with a ballot question.

After hearing a review of specifics from
Steele, including the revelation that the proposed mill levy increase
would amount to 11.66 and not 15.27 as originally calculated,
Commissioner Bill Downey reiterated his support for the plan.

However, Board Chair Mamie Lynch and
Commissioner Alden Ecker remained skeptical, resurrecting concerns
they expressed during last week's board meeting.

In addition to other elements, Lynch and
Ecker questioned the feasibility of a stipulation in the proposal
that calls for discontinuing maintenance on certain county roads
should a potential mill levy increase be voted down.

Citing County Road 973 and County Road 975
as examples, Lynch stated she believes it would be a mistake "to just
arbitrarily say we're going to take roads off the system. That's
where I stand."

Likewise, "I just can't see taking these
roads off the maintenance list; I don't think it will work," said
Ecker. "We cannot leave roads out there that are not maintained to
some degree."

Additional concerns surfaced during the
public comment portion of the meeting, including questions as to
whether or not a long-term solution, such as a bond issue, had been
considered in addition to the five-year "sunset" plan being
proposed.

Audience member Nan Rowe wondered aloud if
perhaps "the window of opportunity" to get the proposal on the ballot
this year had closed.

"And I think it has," said Rowe. Any ballot
measure, Rowe added, would be a "tough sell" since "this is primarily
a lame-duck commission."

Another attendee, Jerry Baier, stated the
proposal does not go far enough to explain the ramifications of a
"no" vote and could benefit from outside marketing and advertising
expertise.

"It is doomed if presented in the way it was
(last) Tuesday," concluded Baier.

Others questioned the effects a possible
mill levy hike would have on fixed incomes, how county performance
would be monitored if the measure passed and whether or not any
resulting resolutions would be flexible enough to allow future boards
to make changes.

Another audience member, Gene Cortright,
agreed with the concept of reevaluating the county maintenance
program, but asked why the plan could not be delayed until all
details and outcomes were finalized.

"I don't understand this ... rush to
judgment," said Cortright. "Why is this such a unique window of
opportunity?"

A final speaker, Dusty Pierce, labeled the
plan "a good start" and "the direction we want to see you go," but
urged the board not to proceed at this time because "there's still a
lot missing."

In response, "I agree," said Lynch, "and I
feel maybe we're not quite there yet."

Further debate resulted in a motion to
approve the proposal "in concept" from Downey which was eventually
withdrawn, and after a final, brief discussion the board put the
issue to rest, agreeing "to take no action" on the measure.

In conclusion, "The foundation is laid for
the future," said Downey, summarizing board comments indicating the
commissioners believe the proposal could serve as a framework for
developing subsequent maintenance policies.

Auto rollover yields $125,000
cocaine cache; two held

By Tess Noel Baker

Staff Writer

Two people were arrested in Pagosa Springs
after over 18 pounds of cocaine was discovered in a hidden
compartment in a 1993 Mercury Marquis.

As of Monday, Kimberly Ann Leavitt and
Candelario Ojeda Lopez, both 23 and listed as residents of Las Vegas,
Nev., were being held in Archuleta County Jail on $50,000 bond
each.

According to the affidavit for arrest filed
by Cpl. Randy Talbot of the Colorado State Patrol, the case began on
July 30 when he assisted Trooper Nick Rivera with a non-injury
single-vehicle rollover on U.S. 160 near mile marker 134. Two women
and two children were in the vehicle which the driver said was on its
way from Las Vegas to Ohio. The driver, Leavitt, could produce
neither insurance nor registration.

Talbot said the car was impounded because of
suspicions of drug trafficking or auto theft. On Aug. 2, Talbot took
another look at the vehicle in the impound lot - this time with a
drug dog on hand. While inspecting the vehicle for a readable
identification number, he noticed an unusual area of black tape near
the windshield. When he peeled back the tape, he found 13 packages of
a white substance later identified as cocaine worth an estimated
$125,000 on the street.

Both Leavitt and Lopez were arrested Aug.
12. on charges of unlawful distribution of a schedule II controlled
substance, a class III felony, when they returned to pick up the
abandoned vehicle.

Talbot said investigation into possible drug
trafficking continues with federal charges against the two suspects
possible.

Blaze levels Coyote Park
cabin;

lightning ignites three more
fires

By Tess Noel Baker

Staff Writer

A structure fire and several small
lightning-caused blazes kept area firefighters on the move this
week.

"We were limited to a defensive attack, no
interior attack was possibly because it was too far gone," he said.
The cabin, at 6501 Coyote Park, is outside the district's boundaries.
They received a call for mutual aid about 2 p.m.

Trujillo said 10 firefighters responded with
one engine and two tankers. They cleared the scene about 7 p.m.

The cause of the fire is unknown. Trujilo
said an investigation continues.

On Aug. 23, local firefighters also
responded to a small grass fire in Aspen Springs started by a person
welding a fence.

Fire Chief Warren Grams said the fire was
limited to about 20 square feet and was extinguished without
incident.

Scott Wagner, Pagosa Ranger District fuels
forester and acting assistant fire management officer, said forest
service personnel fought a six-acre blaze in the Upper Blanco area
and a 2.5 acre fire on Eight Mile Mesa over the weekend.

The six-acre Lefthand Canyon Fire started on
the west side of Square Top Aug. 20. Firefighters successfully
contained the blaze with a line around the perimeter that afternoon.
It was declared controlled Aug. 22. A crew from the Jicarilla Agency
assisted.

That same night, the forest service
responded to a slightly smaller blaze on Eight Mile Mesa. That fire
has also been controlled.

Wagner said a single-tree fire in the Mill
Creek drainage is being managed for fire use at this time. The tree
is in a stand of Aspen at over 10,000 feet, in a roadless area. It is
being monitored, but is not expected to spread.

The board of directors of the Pagosa Area
Water and Sanitation District heard an informal request this week for
a large-scale extension of water and wastewater lines that would
effectively complete district service to Chris Mountain
Village.

Speaking on behalf of National Recreation
Properties Inc., Robbie Pepper asked the board Tuesday how the
corporation could facilitate the potential service extension, which
would take place entirely within district boundaries.

"What I would like to be able to tell
(National Recreation) is, 'This is what you need to do, and this is
when you have to do it,'" said Pepper.

According to Pepper, National Recreation is
in the process of purchasing over 80 lots in Chris Mountain from
A-Liddle Enterprises Inc., and intends to pay for full utilities
upgrades to each lot.

The anticipated closing date for the sale,
said Pepper, is Oct. 20, and "basically, I would like get some idea
of how much money needs to be put up to get things rolling."

In response, Carrie Campbell, district
general manager, suggested the board direct staff to verify ownership
of each lot in Chris Mountain and plan to budget the amount needed to
perform the potential extensions, which is estimated at around
$800,000.

"Then we would need a formal request, and
the board could take final action at the October meeting," Campbell
said.

Another suggestion to the board from
Campbell included the notion of National Recreation paying a
significant amount of tap fees up front to cover a large portion of
the cost associated with the extensions.

"This is a unique situation," said Campbell,
"because normally we get requests for extensions from one property
owner at a time, and here we're looking at a very large number all at
once."

If the request becomes reality, said
Campbell, after construction and installation are completed the costs
will be finalized, adjusted accordingly and divided among all owners
of lots served, whether or not they requested service.

To clarify, "That would mean everyone else
in between would eventually have to pay also, correct?" asked board
member Don Brinks.

"That's right; any lot within 100 feet of
the new lines would be affected," replied Campbell, "but those lot
owners wouldn't have to pay anything up front."

Instead, "Those who didn't request the
extension would be given the option to pay the assessments over a
24-month period, at 1-percent interest," explained Shellie Tressler,
administrative assistant.

The board will revisit the issue in October,
contingent upon the outcome of the pending land sale.

Stevens Reservoir

During Tuesday's session, Campbell told the
board fair-market value determinations of land parcels the district
is seeking in conjunction with the ongoing effort to upgrade Stevens
Reservoir should be completed by the end of October.

The results of the appraisals will be used
in negotiations with residents who own property surrounding Stevens
as the district furthers its improvement plans for the
reservoir.

In addition, Gene Tautges, assistant general
manager, told the board preliminary design of the reservoir dam being
performed by Davis Engineering Service has been roughly 70-percent
completed and is nearly ready for submittal to the state engineer's
office.

According to Tautges, once submitted to the
state, the preliminary design plan will be reviewed "for at least six
months" before an evaluation is handed down.

If the state's opinion of the design is
favorable, said Tautges, the district must consider how to approach
the remainder of improvement plans, which includes decisions on who
should handle final design of the dam and when to drain Stevens so
that construction can take place.

Further commentary on the subject sparked a
lengthy discussion among board members and staff concerning the
alternatives for proceeding with the Stevens plan, including whether
or not to put future engineering work out to bid and the feasibility
of the district employing an engineer to assist with similar
projects.

Near meeting's end, the nucleus of the
discussion was summarized by comments from Board Chairman Karen
Wessels.

"I just feel projects of this size should go
out for proposals, and I think we need to have an engineer on staff
who can review these (projects)," concluded Wessels.

At the board's request, staff agreed to
investigate each possibility further.

Lake levels

According to the latest readings provided by
Art Holloman, district superintendent, district reservoirs were at
the following levels early this week:

- Lake Hatcher - 42 inches below
spillway

- Stevens Reservoir - eight inches below
spillway

- Lake Pagosa - 16 inches below
spillway

- Lake Forest - 16 inches below
spillway

- Village Lake - 45 inches below
spillway.

Inside The
Sun

$60,000 matching grant to help
town develop comprehensive plan

By Tess Noel Baker

Staff Writer

The Town of Pagosa Springs has received just over $60,000 in grant
monies to help kick off an 18-month comprehensive planning process.

Julie Jessen, town special project director, said Pagosa Springs'
home rule charter, adopted in the fall of 2003, requires the town to
update its comprehensive plan every five years.

"The town had a plan - 'Plan for Progress' created in 1979, but it
was never formally adopted," Jessen said. The new comprehensive plan
will address housing, economic development, health and safety,
natural environment, public infrastructure, transportation, parks,
recreation, trails and open space, community facilities and growth
and development.

Currently, the town is considering different consulting packages.
Whatever the final schedule, Jessen said, "intense public input,"
will be sought from as many people as want to participate.

The town will provide a 50/50 match for the Energy and Mineral
Impact Assistance Grant. The 18-month timeline will begin once a
process for creating the plan has been identified.

"The plan will also include a general history of Pagosa Springs,
how it has developed and a vision of the future," Jessen said.

The total grant amount is $60,381 and the funds are contingent
upon the town providing the Department of Local Affairs with copies
of digitized maps completed through the project.

Mayor's Council data is online

Information on the Mayor's Council, a privately funded group of
individuals working on planning and growth issues in the community,
can now be found at www.townofpagosa-springs.com.

Angela Atkinson, the group's director, said the Web page will
include updates on the group's activities, a list of members and a
place to ask questions directly.

People are also encouraged to go to the town's Web site to fill
out a community survey. The survey asks questions about the future of
downtown, big box development and priorities for planning. Surveys
will be accepted through the end of the month and are available in
paper form at town hall.

School administration, athletic
director respond to baseball club letter

By Richard Walter

Staff Writer

Pagosa Springs school officials have answered by letter the
questions and implied charges read to the board of education earlier
this month by representatives of a club baseball organization.

In a letter to Theresa Bradford, who read the club's questions to
the board Aug. 10, Superintendent Duane Noggle said he had reviewed
allegations of conflict of interest.

He said "Hamilton Landscape has contracted with the district for
the last 19 years and in no way does he have oversight of his own
work" and said that Steve Walston, the district's maintenance
supervisor, will "hold Hamilton Landscape to the same high standards
as any other contractor."

The superintendent said he was "saddened to learn of your negative
reaction to the improvements being made at the high school baseball
field.

"Please understand," his letter states, "our method may be
incompatible with your own ideas, but I want to assure you, we share
your vision of having first-rate athletic facilities for our
students."

His cover letter accompanies a response from David Hamilton
assistant principal of the high school and athletic director at the
facility. He is also the principal of Hamilton Landscape.

The club questions and his specific answers to each are:

"Q. Why did the fencing come down at the high school field the
first week of summer?

"A. In anticipation of the replacement of the irrigation system,
the fence was removed to resize the playing field to regulation size
(center field was moved from 330 feet to 370 feet). It was decided by
the maintenance director, the athletic director and baseball coach
that prior to designing and installing an irrigation system on the
current field, the perimeter fence should be moved to regulation
size. Along with installing a fence near the softball fields, a
fencing contractor was asked to also bid the removal, extension and
reinstallation of the baseball fence. Following the installation of
the new irrigation system and completion of necessary dirt work, the
fence will be reinstalled.

"Q. When the administration reported to the Archuleta County
School Board at the June 8 meeting that the baseball field project
was not going to be funded, why was the fence not reinstalled so the
field could be used?

"A. The administration did not report this; it was a report of the
district maintenance director for project and budget status. The
fence was not reinstalled because of the need for fill dirt to be
placed on the outside perimeter of the field (center and right
field). It was also at this time where we determined the bids were
too high and outside our anticipated budget estimates.

"Q. Why were the baseball coaches or parents (who had previously
voiced concern about the field not being available for summer play)
not contacted so a coordination effort could have been made for the
summer baseball program?

"A. The high school baseball coach (up until his resignation) was
kept abreast of the progress of field construction. Prior to summer
break, David Cammack (who said he represented the parent summer
baseball group) contacted the athletic director with concerns about
not being able to host teams on the high school baseball field during
the summer of 2004. While their concerns were heard, the purpose of
the field extension and irrigation system was to benefit the high
school baseball team. Because of the removal of the fence and the
anticipated irrigation installation, it was decided it would be best
for them to schedule their games out of town.

"Q. What is the current plan for the work that is being performed
on the baseball field?

"A. The plan is to install a new irrigation system, a grass
infield, and to move the fence to regulation size.

"Q. Who was contracted to do the work?

"A. The fence work has been contracted by Lansgreth Fencing, the
irrigation system by Hamilton Landscape, and the dirt work by
Campuzano Backhoe.

"Q. What qualifications do they have to perform such work?

"A. Lansgreth Fencing is a local contractor with 20 years fencing
experience. Hamilton landscape has contracted and installed most of
the district's current irrigation systems and has made modifications
to the older, inadequate systems on many of the playing fields.

"To my knowledge, neither the county nor the city require any
specific qualifications, certifications, or licenses for irrigation
installation or fencing contractors.

"Recognizing the district's playing fields are located in a
riverbed, it was anticipated there would be a lot of river rock
excavated during the installation of the sprinkling system. Rather
than hire a trencher to complete the work, a general backhoe operator
with a small bucket was selected to excavate the trenches, backfill
the trenches with top soil, and replace the infield sand with
topsoil. Henry Campuzano is also a local contractor with several
years experience.

"Q. What are the plans for the grounds around the field?

"A. The school district and town are working on a joint effort to
replace the cement apron around the softball concession
stand/baseball announcer stand/rest rooms.

"Q. Due to the current timing of the field construction, how will
the grass be rooted enough to make play possible on the field fore
the Pagosa Springs 2005 high school baseball season?

"A. Early spring and late fall are ideal times for seeding grass.
The plan is to seed grass in the infield and trenches following the
irrigation installation. This process was used to seed the 'D'
section and trenches on the football field. As with all grass seeding
projects, continual seeding, top dressing, and fertilizing will be
completed in the spring to develop a strong athletic turf.

"Q. How many board members have been out to the baseball field
physically themselves to evaluate the facility and its needs and the
current construction process?

"A. The board relies on the athletic director, maintenance
director and superintendent to keep them abreast of new construction
and maintenance projects. It has not been the practice of the board
to involve themselves in the management of the district's various
departments.

"Q. Is it ethical that the current athletic director, David
Hamilton and his son perform all or part of the work currently being
done?

"A. David Hamilton (Hamilton Landscape) has contracted the
district ground maintenance for the last 19 years. While many summer
projects are contracted by outside companies, the district
maintenance staff typically completes many of the district's work
projects.

"Note: Please understand that initially Hamilton Landscape had no
intention of installing the baseball sprinkling system. For several
years, I have encouraged a local irrigation contractor and graduate
of Pagosa Springs High School to bid on district irrigation projects.
Because of the state economy and the projections for next year's
funding, it was decided to complete as much of the work this year as
the budget would allow.

"While the group made a comment concerning paying the difference
between what the school budgeted and the amount of the lowest bid
($7,000) this offer was not made previous to the board meeting nor
was it made subsequent to the June 8 meeting.

"The project requesting bids was advertised in The SUN. A local
irrigation contractor and Durango Landscape submitted bids. During
the meeting, it was stated by one of the parents that a local company
had offered to complete the construction project 'at their cost.'
Again, to date, this company has not approached any district employee
with this incredible offer.

"Q. Who is overseeing the work?

"A. Along with other district summer projects, the project is
being overseen by the district maintenance department. The department
also oversaw the installation of the new irrigation systems on the
intermediate, junior high, high school grounds and football field.
The high school administration is not overseeing the project. And,
they are not evaluating their own work."

With reference to a club comment about the field not being a
priority for many years, and calling it a lawsuit waiting to happen,
Hamilton answered:

"After several failed attempts to pass construction bonds to build
a new high school at the current high school site, the ball fields
were constructed in the seventies. The irrigation systems on each of
the fields are/were poorly designed. The irrigation system at each
field did not provide 100 percent coverage to the grass playing
areas. On the baseball field, outside sprinkler heads watered the
parking lot, while the inside ones watered the infield. For several
years, limited practice space warranted the need for the use of the
outfield of the baseball field for football practice. The overuse of
the field along with an inadequate irrigation system has contributed
to the current conditions of the field. In addition, the original
field was designed to have a grass infield. Coaches, over the years,
have removed and attempted to replace the grass several times.

"Prior to the work being completed on the football field, the
addition of three zones (one in the late '70s and two in the '80s)
was done to provide irrigation coverage to the entire field. The
baseball field's sprinkling system has never been augmented. The lack
of maintenance on the baseball field has been due to a poorly
designed irrigation system and the sport being played in the spring
of the year immediately following the winter runoff. Until recently,
the baseball field has not been used by summer baseball groups.

"Admittedly, the baseball field's outfield is uneven. While it was
designed to be level, over the years there are places where the
topsoil (mountain clay) has settled. In addition, in an attempt to
practice on the field prior to spring break, baseball coaches have
hired heavy equipment operators to remove snow from the field. The
result of these attempts has produced several ruts in the outfield.
Rather than fill the ruts with topsoil, the group fixed the mess with
several loads of Mancos shale."

"Q. Why has it taken in excess of two months to advertise the head
baseball coach position?

"A. Following the resignation of the varsity baseball coach in
late May, it was decided by the high school administration to not
advertise the position until the anticipated district vacancies were
filled. It was our hope to fill this position with a certified
teacher/coach. It has been our experience, backed with research, the
best coaches are those who are involved in the student athlete's
academic and athletic lives. While many vacancies became open and
several new employees hired, to our knowledge only one applicant had
a background in coaching baseball. Immediately upon return to work
for the fall semester, the high school administration directed the
district secretary to advertise the baseball position. A team
composed of the high school administration and select community
members and staff will conduct the search, the interviews and the
hiring of the new baseball coach.

"Q. Why would we not advertise at the beginning of summer when
teacher/coaches are looking for jobs?

"A. Traditionally and recognizing the need to establish a strong
academic environment the district has made a practice of hiring
teachers first and coaches second. Through the district's application
process, teachers who apply for academic positions are also screened
for their extracurricular coaching/sponsorship experience.

"Q. How are you going to find a qualified baseball coach/teacher
now that school is starting?

"A. If through the district hiring process the teacher/coach has
not been hired, the position is then advertised in The SUN for
interested community members to apply.

"Several interested candidates have contacted the athletic
director demonstrating interest in the position.

"While many of the district coaches are teacher/coaches, the
district has also been fortunate to hire many dedicated individuals
from the community."

A look at water supply, needs
and conservation

By Denise Rue-Pastin

Special to The SUN

Water use within Pagosa Area Water and Sanitation District is up
over both 2002 and 2003 when some levels of mandatory restriction
were in effect.

Although 2004 has no mandatory restrictions, PAWS is reminding the
community to "do their bit and self-restrict."

Across the globe and in our own semi-arid backyard, which is prone
to drought, wise water use must become a way of life.

Life must be lived forward but understood backward. The current
drought has been the most severe on record. Streamflows in Colorado
in 2002 were the lowest in over 100 years and tree ring data suggest
flows are probably the lowest in 300 to 500 years.

Moreover, district officials say, there is no way of knowing how
long the current drought may last. And they say, even when the
drought is over, the problems won't be solved.

John Keys, Bureau of Reclamation commissioner, states it best:
"Once the drought goes away we're still going to have problems. Even
if precipitation returns to more generous levels, the rapidly growing
population of the West demands new answers to critical supply
problems. Doing nothing is one option, but only if we're prepared to
deal with the consequences."

There is no force on earth stronger than exponential growth. While
water supplies remain the same since the beginning of time, the
Earth's population continues to grow exponentially.

In America alone, the U.S. Census Bureau's population clock shows
a net gain of one new resident every 10 seconds. That's about
3,153,600 new water users a year, needing about 104,000,000,000
gallons of water annually at the current rate of use.

Growing population is one factor that spurred PAWS to more
aggressively pursue a water conservation program. The future rate of
growth in the PAWS service area through the year 2012 is estimated to
average 6 percent per year. By the year 2040, permanent population in
Archuleta County is estimated over 50,000, with water demands of
3,800,000,000 gallons per year.

Conservation methods can help reduce long-term water needs and
thus reduce or delay the need for new water supply, transmission,
storage and treatment facilities. Reduction of water demands also
means that more water remains in our streams and reservoirs providing
in-stream flows, water quality, aquatic life, recreation and
aesthetic benefits.

When the well goes dry, we know the worth of water.

We all take advantage, and sometimes for granted, the simple
things in life. Water has historically been one of them. It has
always seemed to be in plentiful supply - after all, water covers
three quarters of the earth's surface, right?

Right, but only 3 percent of that is fresh water, and only 1
percent of fresh water is available for us for our daily water needs.

And water is cheap. Consider these statistics: One penny buys 160
eight-ounce glasses of water in a typical U.S. community. You can
refill an eight-ounce water glass approximately 15,000 times for the
same cost as a six-pack of soda. If drinking water and soda were
equally costly, your water bill would skyrocket more than 10,000
percent.

Although water is inexpensive, we must not take it for granted.

We conserve what we love. Except for the air we breathe, water is
the single most important element in our lives. Quite simply, without
water you will not live. You can survive about a month without food,
but only five to seven days without water.

Consider this, too: About two-thirds of the human body is water.
Some parts of the body contain more water than others. For example,
about 75 percent of the human brain is water and 70 percent of skin
is water. Water helps your body metabolize stored fats, helps
maintain proper muscle tone, and helps rid the body of wastes.

Now, consider the following statistics: It is estimated that 75
percent of Americans are chronically dehydrated. Even mild
dehydration will slow down one's metabolism as much as 3 percent. In
37 percent of Americans, the thirst mechanism is so weak that it is
often mistaken for hunger. One glass of water shut down hunger pangs
for almost 100 percent of the dieters studied in a University of
Washington project. Lack of water is the No. 1 trigger of daytime
fatigue. A mere 2-percent drop in body water can trigger fuzzy
short-term memory, trouble with basic math, and difficulty focusing
on the computer screen or on a printed page.

Preliminary research indicates that eight to 10 glasses of water a
day could significantly ease back and joint pain for up to 80 percent
of sufferers. Drinking five glasses of water a day decreases the risk
of colon cancer by 45 percent, plus it can slash the risk of breast
cancer by 79 percent and one is 50-percent less likely to develop
bladder cancer.

Educated consumers are better customers and smarter
conservationists.

We drink very little of our treated water. Generally speaking,
less than 1 percent of the treated water produced by water utilities
is actually consumed. The rest goes on lawns, in washing machines,
and down toilets and drains. If you have a lawn, chances are it's
your biggest water user. Typically, at least 50 percent of water
consumed by households is used outdoors.

Inside the home, bathroom facilities claim over 70 percent of the
water used. Indoor water use statistics vary from family to family
and in various parts of the country, but they average out pretty
reliably. Nearly 40 percent gets flushed down toilets, more than 30
percent is used in showers and baths, the laundry and dishwashing
take about 15 percent and leaks claim 5 percent or more, which leaves
about 10 percent for everything else.

Nothing so needs reforming as other peoples habits.

Conservation tips

There are three basic ways to conserve water: economize, repair
leaks and install water-saving devices.

A lot of water is used needlessly. Think about the amount of water
you're using and look for ways to use less whenever you can. Examples
are limitless and PAWS has a plethora of tips available in district
offices.

Check toilets, faucets and hoses for leaks. A faucet drip or
invisible toilet leak that totals only two tablespoons a minute comes
to 15 gallons a day. That's 105 gallons a week and 5,460 wasted
gallons of water a year. Little leaks add up quickly, but most leaks
are easy to find and repair.

If you don't already have water-efficient or low-flow fixtures,
you can cut your water use with aerators and displacement devices.
The district has free retrofit kits available with dye tablets for
checking toilet leaks, aerators for faucets and showers, and
displacement bags for the toilet.

In addition, PAWS is currently running a toilet rebate program of
between $75 and $125 to replace high-volume toilets with more
efficient low-volume models. There are efficient clothes washers on
the market that use up to 70-percent less water and energy. More
resource-efficient dishwashers are available, as well. Also, consider
a hot water recirculating pump which will eliminate the need to wait
for hot water at any location in a building. These devices can save
the average family a minimum of 15,000 gallons of water per year.

Related to outside irrigation - you don't have to water on a set
schedule.

Water only when the grass or plants show signs of needing it. To
test whether or not your lawn needs a soaking, step on the grass. If
it springs back up, you don't need to water. If it stays flat, it's
time to water again (in the evening or morning - the earlier the
better).

In addition, adjust watering schedules for the season. Typically,
April and May need about a quarter less the amount of water required
in June and July, while August, September and October require nearly
half.

A regular aerating schedule is also important. Try to aerate
two-three times per year, especially in both spring and fall. Our
soil has a tendency to compact, which prevents water from sinking
into the ground. Aeration breaks up the soil and allows water to
penetrate. Don't forget to add some compost when you aerate.

Try to plant native vegetation that doesn't require a lot of
water.

Set the blade on your mower so you keep the grass at a height of
three inches. This shades the soil and prevents both excess drying
and evaporation.

You must be the change you wish to see in the world.

Given the earth's limited water budget, conservation is essential
if we are to build a water trust, an endowment that generations to
come can relay on for their own security and prosperity.

Therefore, we must exercise great stewardship to preserve our
water supplies for the future.

"The adequacy of water supplies to any community are often based
upon, in comparison to the magnitude geologic history, only very
recent times and data. The failure of a society of several tens of
thousands of people in the Southwest region of Colorado nearly 700
years ago is case evidence that the forces of nature far exceed those
of the human species. The Anasazi community, one that was more in
harmony with the will of nature than the communities today, failed.

"Should not we, within our present day water supply and landscape
design responsibilities, be working toward minimal dependency on
water supplies? Especially regarding supplies used for the luxury of
landscaping, and in regions where the natural landscape is so
beautiful without supplemental irrigation?"

With that said, PAWS would like to remind the community to "do
their bit and self-restrict."

Across the globe and in our own back yard, wise water use must
become a way of life.

Pagosa Outreach
Connections

has distributed $37,000 in year

By Tess Noel Baker

Staff Writer

After one year, Pagosa Outreach Connections, a group of
community-based and faith-based organizations offering one-time
grants to people in need, has distributed about $37,000.

The Rev. Don Ford, a member of the group, said since its inception
119 applications for assistance had been received; 96 were approved
and 23 denied.

Most of the requests, he said, were for help with rent or mortgage
payments, medical needs, daycare, electric and phone bills.

"We can't claim success stories in every one of those instances,
but for a number of them we can," Ford said.

Pagosa Outreach Connections began after a federal call for
faith-based and community-based organizations to pool their
resources. Ford said initially the Archuleta County Department of
Human Services and three local churches - Community United Methodist,
St. Patrick's Episcopal and Immaculate Heart of Mary - began looking
at possibilities. Later, the Salvation Army, United Way, La Plata
Electric Association Roundup program and Rotary were added to the
mix.

Under the program, people in need are first referred to social
services. There they are screened for programs they might qualify
for, such as food stamps or Medicaid. If their needs cannot be
completely met by the programs available, they may fill out an
application for Pagosa Outreach Connections.

A core group of connections members meets weekly to hear
presentations from department of human services representatives based
on the applications. All applications and allocations are kept
completely confidential.

Once an application is approved, representatives of the various
organizations involved, both faith-based and community-based, take
turns "bidding" on the amount needed. One might offer $100, another
$200, another $75 and so on until the bill is filled. Each case is
considered individually and assistance is offered one time only.

A database of those assisted is retained at social services to
prevent duplicating efforts and keep the program open to the most
people possible.

"We feel working together that we can help those who have a need
to survive in this community, in this county," Ford said. "We are
helping people who are living check to check get over the humps that
sometime come with extraordinary circumstances."

Erlinda Gonzalez, director of the county department of human
services, said combining the resources of so many organizations has
allowed monies to go farther and help more people. It has also
assisted with the match for at least one federal grant of about
$21,200 in flex monies coming into the county.

"It's great that we can have such a collaboration here," Gonzalez
said. "It's very unique. We had a state person come to do a training
on another topic and this was brought up. She was just in awe."

Private donations to Pagosa Outreach Connections are being
accepted and can be sent to the Department of Social Services, P.O.
Box 240, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147.

"I want to extend an invitation to anyone in Archuleta County who
is experiencing a problem with the federal government, or would like
to pass along an opinion on a current issue before the U.S. Senate,
to stop by and visit with Derek and Heather on Tuesday," Allard said.
"No appointment is necessary."

La Plata Electric Association's annual meeting and luncheon will
be held Sept. 11, but the scheduled election of directors has been
cancelled.

Director seats were open in Districts 1 through 4 but only one
person filed in each district, negating the necessity of holding the
election.

District 1 director Terry Alley of Pagosa Springs was one of the
four unopposed candidates.

Registration for the meeting in Bayfield Middle School, 615 E. Oak
St. will begin at 9 a.m. and the business meeting at 10 a.m.
Complimentary lunch follows.

Agenda highlights include reports from the utility's chief
executive officer and board president; a report from Tri-State
Generation and Transmission Associates Inc.; a report from the
association's attorney and members questions.

Health district board vacancy
filled

By Tess Noel Baker

Staff Writer

Gerald R. Valade, a local businessman, was picked Tuesday to fill
the final vacancy on the Upper San Juan Health Service District
Board.

Three candidates - Valade, Andy Fautheree and Barbara Parada - who
applied for the position left open after Patty Tillerson resigned in
June, were interviewed by the full board to start the Aug. 17 regular
meeting. Earlier, they were interviewed by a search committee
consisting of citizens Jim Knoll and Dale Schwicker, board chairman
Pam Hopkins and board member Dick Blide.

The committee recommended Valade.

Knoll, chairman of the search committee said any of the candidates
would have made excellent board members, "nevertheless, our job was
to make a recommendation. Because of Mr. Valade's special
qualifications ... and the special needs of the healthcare district
at this time, we felt that he should be the pick of the board. We
felt the district at the present time has a most desperate need of
skills and experience in financial planning, accounting, contracting,
regulatory compliance and resource management. Mr. Valade has spent
his career in the Navy and in the private sector doing this kind of
work."

According to his resume, Valade served in the U.S. Navy, spent 25
years in the government services sector including 13 years with
Hughes Aircraft Company and 12 years as an independent business
analyst.

In response to a question from board member Neal Townsend, Valade
said he had moved to Pagosa Springs about a year ago, had been
following news on the health district for two years and hoped, "to
help the community and the health care system be better."

He said his greatest strengths are problem solving, working with
people and bottom-line management.

He was unanimously approved with one member absent and immediately
took the oath of office.

District working its way to
financial health

By Tess Noel Baker

Staff Writer

The Upper San Juan Health Service District continues to play
catch-up financially.

Allen Hughes, interim business manager, said unpaid bills are
still cropping up, including several for employee health insurance
dating back to August 2003. The district will continue paying about
$8,500 every two weeks until premiums are current.

Hughes reported that, as of July 31, the district had about
$60,000 in cash on hand with around $40,000 in outstanding
receivables. Accounts payable totaled about $72,000 with 31 percent
of the bills over 60 days in arrears. Of $60,725 in total charges
billed in July, about $38,300 were nonretrievable after insurance
adjustments.

Dave Bohl, chairman of the finance, audit and budget committee,
said the district is, "very, very close to making it through Dec.
31," under the current budget if receivables continue as expected.
Still, he requested approval from the board to seek a line of credit
from the Dr. Mary Fisher Foundation in October, just in case funds
fall short.

The request was approved.

In other business, the board:

- Approved a motion to allow Hughes to continue researching the
requirements to become a critical access hospital as defined by
Medicare. Currently, the ambulance service is unable to bill Medicare
for ambulance trips that end at the Dr. Mary Fisher Medical Center or
other local physicians' offices because of Medicare rules.

- Authorized Norm Vance, chairman of the Citizen's Advisory
Committee to move ahead with finding grant monies to fund a community
survey.

- Appointed two search committees, one to begin looking for people
to fill the positions of business manager and EMS operations manager
and a second to begin recruiting a fifth community physician. The
interim management positions, currently held by Hughes and Kathy
Conway, end in November.

- Approved a new operational structure, a set of daily guidelines
and policies and procedures for Emergency Medical Services. Under the
new operational model staffing will remain exactly the same. In fact,
the board approved an extra allocation of funds to retrain current
emergency vehicle operators to basic level.

The new operational model is based on having two response crews
available. A first crew, of one paramedic and one basic EMT will be
in house. A second crew of one basic EMT and one intermediate EMT
will be in-house during "peak" call hours - 11 a.m to about 11 p.m.
Outside that time period, a second crew will be on call, meaning
within 15 minutes of the district offices.

- Approved a motion to terminate the nurse triage service.
After-hours emergency calls will go through dispatch directly to a
doctor on call.

- Read into the record a definition for 24/7 emergency doctor
coverage as presented by Jim Knoll. According to the definition, 24/7
coverage means, "Š a medically trained physician is available either
directly at a clinic or via telephone to come to a clinic to see an
emergency patient 24 hours a day and seven days a week. The physician
should be at least within 15 minutes of the designated clinic."

A physician assistant, nurse practitioner or EMT could still be
the first contact with the patient as long as a physician was
accessible.

- Approved a motion to discontinue the ambulance subscription
service once current subscriptions run out - about a year from now.
No new subscriptions will be sold.

The board's decision was based on a legal opinion that suggested
the service could be considered a form of uncertified insurance under
Colorado law which could lead to penalties.

Hughes said current subscriptions will be honored as long as the
recipient has proof of purchase either in the form of a canceled
check or a copy of the completed subscription. The subscription
policy had entitled those who paid $65 a one-time basic ambulance
transportation over a one-year period.

Alpha POA to hold annual
meeting and luncheon

The 2004 annual meeting and potluck luncheon of the Alpha Property
Owners Association will be held Sunday, Aug. 29, beginning at noon it
the Vista Clubhouse.

Guest speakers will be Tamra Allen from the Pagosa Springs
planning department and Owen Parker, chairman of the Alpha-Rock Ridge
Metro District. They will address community growth and its projected
impact on the Alpha neighborhood.

Attendees with last names starting A-O, should bring a dessert;
those starting P-Z, should bring a side dish or salad. Please RSVP to
Carrie Levonius at 731-6223.

Are you a cold-weather person who can't wait for the first snow?
Then you may want to put in a bid for a pair of sturdy snowshoes or a
beautifully crafted toboggan.

If you are a sun worshipper, then you will surely want to bid on a
genuine Stetson hat to keep that deep tan from turning into a burn.

These are just a few of the unique items that will be available in
a silent auction during St. Patrick's Shamrock Festival Sept. 11.

The snowshoes were a gift from Dick and Ann Van Fossen and Jim and
Becky Dorian. The toboggan was donated by Ruth and Bob Newlander. The
Stetson, (men's size 7-1/4) was another gift from the Van Fossens.

Two wooden sentinels - a snowman and Santa - standing at just over
5 feet tall, were made by Ken "Spanky" Warren. Another craftsman,
David Brooks, has made a hand-varnished 4-foot wall shelf complete
with coat hooks.

Several pieces of artwork will be offered including a large
watercolor and a framed Ansel Adams photograph of Half Dome in
Yosemite National Park.

Two handmade quilt wall hangings will be up for bid - one made by
Linda Warren and another donated by Bonnie Brooks.

If you have trouble keeping up with "Pagosa time," there is a
lovely Seth Thomas regulator clock that might be helpful, along with
many other items. A number of services will also be offered including
a wildflower walk in the spring, led by Katherine Cruse.

The bidding will take place during the all-day festival which
begins at 9 a.m. Bidding will end at 5:45 p.m. when the prizes will
be awarded to the highest bidders. At 6 p.m. the drawing for the
handmade quilt will take place and serving of the barbecue dinner
begins, complete with entertainment.

The dinner menu, catered by JoAnn Irons, will include barbecue
chicken, baked potato, roasted corn-on-the-cob, spring mix salad,
brownies and ice cream. Tickets are $7 for adults (13 and older); $4
for children 5-12. Children 4 and under eat free.

Dinner tickets are available at the church office Monday-Thursday,
from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. You may also purchase tickets at the office for
the handmade queen/king quilt to be given away.

Soups offered will be cream of broccoli, vegetable, chicken and
potato soup. Cobblers include peach, cherry and peach-cranberry.

Other activities scheduled are a men's garage sale, a Book Nook
offering used books, home-baked goods for sale and an afternoon tea
with chamber music.

Family Fun 2 will offer used toys, games and sports equipment.
Children can participate in Just for Kids featuring face painting,
games and prizes, a tractor pull ride and corn shucking contest.

Breakfast and lunch will also be offered and there will be plenty
of entertainment by various musical groups throughout the day.

The church is located on South Pagosa Boulevard, next to the Mary
Fisher Clinic. Some of the proceeds from the Shamrock Festival will
be used for the church's many community outreach programs.

Allison Community Church plans
annual steak fry

The Allison Community Church will have its ninth annual Steak Fry
Aug. 28 at the Allison Community Church.

Steak with baked potato, tossed salad, beans, rolls, and
strawberry shortcake will be served from 5 to 7:30 p.m.

There will be entertainment, so come visit and enjoy the evening.

New hours, new ideas in effect

By Karen Carpenter

Special to The PREVIEW

The Japanese Club met for the first time and there were 10 teens
in attendance.

What a great turnout. Plans are to continue, so watch for news of
the next meeting.

We have painted the game room in a topaz blue. The color was a
unanimous decision. It is a cool, calm color and that makes for cool,
calm teens, right?

School has started so we have begun our new hours. Remember we are
now open 4-8 p.m. Saturdays; Mondays 1-5 p.m., Tuesday-Friday, 1-8
p.m.

This will be a trial period to November.

We will have movie night again Fridays and dinner on Saturdays.

Games, contests, quiet time and physical activities will continue.
The addition of two computers will aid with homework and allow for
educational games.

If you are a parent, teacher or student at the junior high school
we need your help and input. The Teen Center advisory board would
love to have you fill a vacancy. Please give me a call if you are
interested.

The Teen Center is in the community center on Hot Springs
Boulevard. The phone is 264-4152.

Parents, teens reflect on
sexual health workshop

By Natalie Gabel

Special to The PREVIEW

Pagosans attended two workshops on sexual health presented by
Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains and sponsored by the
Pagosah Unitarian Universalist Fellowship.

Parents gathered for a two-hour class with educator Laura Hawes
and left with greater understanding of their own sexuality values and
the communication skills to convey these values to their teens in a
non-threatening way.

One parent commented, "I realized how important it is to practice
verbalizing my values to my teen." Fifteen teen-agers attended a
six-hour session on Saturday, where they practiced refusal skills,
decision-making, and open communication with partners and parents in
role plays.

One participant shared this, "I think every teen needs to know how
to have healthy relationships, what STD's and birth control are and
how to make decisions; no matter if they are sexually active or not."

Teens received a comprehensive sexual education which statistics
show decrease their participation in premature sex and unhealthy
relationships.

Teen participants gave this advice to their peers: "Don't have sex
until you're ready to accept the consequences," and "choose to be in
healthy relationships with love and talking. Otherwise it's not worth
your time."

The Unitarian Universalists will host the "Growing Up Smart"
workshops this fall designed for 10- and 11-year-olds focusing on
puberty changes, understanding emotions and, most importantly,
developing healthy interpersonal relationships fundamental in
preventing high-risk behaviors.

Call Sky Gabel at 731-2202 for more information.

Awana bicycle rodeo, cookout
slated Sunday

By Livia Cloman Lynch

SUN Columnist

Awana has scheduled a bicycle rodeo and cookout 4 p.m. Sunday at
First Baptist Church.

Bring your bikes, trikes and helmets and get in on the action.

Register for Awana and get information at the same time for those
three years old through sixth-grade.

New this year will be Junior High Awana.

Burgers, hot dogs, buns and soft drinks will be provided. Bring a
side dish to share.

For RSVP or any questions, call Dori at 731-9458 or the church
office at 731-2205.

The Precept Upon Precept study method is being used across the
United States and in over 100 foreign countries by people seeking to
know the truths of the Word of God for themselves. These in-depth
studies are widely acclaimed for their practical, personal approach
to Bible study. The study includes homework, discussion, and a
powerful lecture time to direct you in unlocking the message of God's
Word.

All who want to know the Word of God and the God of the Word -
from seminary professors to businessmen, to housewives, teens -
attest to the invaluable help of the inductive method used in
Precept.

Precept Bible studies are written by Kay Arthur, well-known
speaker, broadcaster and author. Her in-depth knowledge of the Bible
as well as her gifted presentation of biblical truth has made the
Precept method an effective study tool for thousands. The study is
uniquely designed for the serious student with seminary experience as
well as for the individual who has never studied the Bible before.

For further information on joining this Precept study and to
register, call Restoration Fellowship at 731-2937, no later than Aug.
30.

Education Center
announces

slate of enrichment classes

The Archuleta County Education Center is offering a selection of
after-school enrichment classes for students in grades K-eight.

From Aug. 30-Sept. 3, the center will offer a week of fun
enrichment activities for students in kindergarten through fourth
grade.

During the month of September, classes will be offered to the same
group that include yoga with an emphasis on literacy, Science Kids
and art classes such as Making a Bird Feeder and Hooked on Drawing
and Painting.

Fun Friday activities begin Sept. 10, 1:15-5 p.m.

Anyone wanting to register for classes or who needs more
information may contact the center at 264-2835.

Auction donations include
almost everything you didn't know you need

By Annette Foor

Special to The PREVIEW

Come one, come all!

The 10th annual Auction for the Animals is coming Friday, and will
be a memorable event of the season, offering something for everyone.

Whatever you're looking for, or not, you'll likely find it at the
auction. There are a wide variety of items to bid on from books to
massages, ski passes and even a car.

The auction is 5:30 p.m. at the Pagosa Springs Community Center.
Ticket prices are $25 in advance and $30 at the door, including wine
and beer tasting. This year we are featuring Australian and
California wines and beer from Durango Brewing, plus a commemorative
wine glass or beer stein. Advance purchase without wine and beer
tasting will be $15, and $17 at the door.

Gourmet hors d'oeuvres will be served throughout the evening with
the silent auction starting at 5:30 p.m. followed by the live
auction, with Jake Montroy as auctioneer, Debbie Steele will serve as
emcee and Mark Crain, Aristotle Karas and John Porter will be
spotters.

Our live auction has something for every pocket book. From a fire
extinguisher to a tennis package, you'll find everything at the
auction. In addition, we have received a tremendous number of
donations such as a Mizuno baseball bat signed by Todd Helton of the
Colorado Rockies, Choke Cherry Tree gourmet baskets, a Celtic Harp,
an array of custom pet baskets, residential lot at Westwood Shores at
Lake Livingston in Trinity, Texas. You can be a guest D. J. for an
hour at KWUF radio. You can always find today's fashions at the
auction, such as a remarkable limited edition denim jacket with Red
Ryder Comic Strip embroidered by K. K. Paddywhacks, or a hooded wool
jacket by Linda Lundstrom.

We've also received passes from many businesses such as rounds of
golf at Bogey's Mini Golf with ice cream cones, Diamond Circle
Melodrama in Durango, parlor seats on the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic
Railroad in Chama, and Four Corners Folk Festival. Looking for a
luxury cruising car? How about a 1991 Black Infiniti Q45 with gray
interior, fully loaded with gold package? We even have a cedar Nordic
Impulse spa.

The auction is an evening you won't want to miss, so plan on
coming out and enjoying scrumptious food, fine micro-brewed beers
provided by Durango Brewing Co, exquisite wines and non-alcohol
beverages, and relax as you look for that special something you had
no idea you needed.

Don't wait: Get your tickets now at these locations, WolfTracks
Bookstore and Coffee Co, Moonlight Books and Gallery, Pagosa Springs
Chamber of Commerce, the Humane Society Thrift Store or at the door
Friday.

For further information about the auction, contact our
administration office at 264-5549. Be sure to mark your calendar and
come out for a night that's sure to be a great time. We look forward
to seeing you.

Outdoors

Native born lynx spotted
thriving in our wilderness

At least two of the 30 Canada lynx kittens born in Colorado this
spring are thriving based on a rare glimpse of the secretive cats
earlier this month.

A member of the Colorado Division of Wildlife's lynx monitoring
team was able to briefly approach two of the kittens in southwestern
Colorado, while the mother kept herself discretely hidden, her
telltale radio collar pulsing and giving away her location.

Though the lynx kittens were no more than seven to eight weeks
old, they were comfortably resting on a tree branch, proving their
ability to climb to protect themselves.

DOW researcher Grant Merrill picked up a faint radio signal while
investigating a den site used by a female from the Yukon Territory
that had been released in 2000. Using a hand-held antenna that can
pick up signals emitted by radio collars attached to lynx when they
are released, he was able to close in on the location in dense
timber.

"Eventually, to my surprise and bemusement, I found a kitten up a
tree," Merrill said. "I thought to myself, 'The little buggers can
climb trees already.' I looked around a little more and found the
second kitten also up a tree just 15 to 20 feet away."

By the strength of the beeping transmitted from the female's
collar, Merrill knew she was nearby. He quickly snapped some photos
and then left the site.

"This is the first time we've seen kittens outside of a den," said
Tanya Shenk, a DOW research biologist who leads the lynx monitoring
effort. "We won't be able to do this often, but it does provide
valuable information about the kittens’ development and may explain
why we've been unable to confirm the presence of other kittens."

Colorado's lynx reintroduction effort paid even bigger dividends
in 2004 with at least 30 kittens born to 11 lynx mothers, nearly
double the 16 kittens confirmed by the DOW in 2003.

"We documented 18 possible mating pairs of lynx during the
breeding season earlier this year," Shenk said. "During May and June,
we found 11 dens and a total of 30 kittens. At all of the dens, the
females appeared in excellent condition, as did the kittens."

Most of the dens were found in the core habitat area of
southwestern Colorado in extremely rugged, high-elevation Engelmann
spruce/subalpine fir forests in areas of extensive downfall.

Shenk thinks there may be more kittens based on movements of
females equipped with collars and tracks seen during the winter
surveillance period. But on several occasions, the lynx mothers
thought to have kittens kept one step ahead of the trackers. The
ability of the kittens to climb trees and remain hidden may be one
explanation, she said.

The DOW has released 167 lynx in Colorado since the reintroduction
program began in 1999. Up to 50 more lynx will be released next year
with another 15 each in 2006 and 2007.

"We are already working with officials in several Canadian
provinces to arrange for the trapping and transport of lynx next
winter," said Scott Wait, the DOW's area biologist in Durango. So
far, lynx have come from British Columbia, Manitoba, Quebec, the
Yukon Territory and Alaska.

Once lynx are captured, they are taken to a private wildlife
rehabilitation facility near the San Luis Valley, said Chuck Wagner,
a DOW area biologist in Monte Vista who coordinates agency efforts
while lynx are held until their release.

"The facility has been critical in allowing us to hold lynx so we
can be sure they're in peak condition when they are released," Wagner
said.

Other major milestones in the effort include:

- confirming that lynx can be successfully held, then released;

- lynx finding adequate prey and establishing territories;

- mating behavior;

- the birth of kittens;

- the survival of kittens through their first year.

"We intend to continue this program to reestablish this native
species in our state," said Bruce McCloskey, DOW director. "This
recovery effort is the continuation of a century-old effort to
protect and restore native wildlife and protect the habitat these
species need to survive."

The Canada lynx is one of Colorado's most elusive native species.
The tuft-eared cat closely resembles a bobcat, with well-furred paws
for tracking through snow. Lynx historically have been found in
Canada and the northern United States, including the central and
southern Rocky Mountain regions.

Before the state's current reintroduction plan began, the last
verified record of lynx detailed an illegal trapping of two cats near
Vail in 1973. The Colorado Wildlife Commission listed the lynx as a
state endangered species in 1975.

If you would like to make a tax-deductible contribution to the
Lynx Restoration Project, please visit www.cwhf.info to donate by
credit card. Or mail your check or money order to the Colorado
Wildlife Heritage Foundation, P.O. Box 211512, Denver, CO 80221. Help
ensure a future for Colorado's wildlife.

The evening will begin with cocktails at 5 p.m., followed by
dinner at 6:30 and an auction at 7:30.

Ducks Unlimited is a grassroots, volunteer-based organization that
conserves, restores and manages wetlands and associated habitats for
North America's waterfowl.

Each year, over 100,000 acres of wetland habitat is lost in the
United States. Since it's inception, Ducks Unlimited has enhanced and
restored over 10 million habitat acres, encompassing over 18,600
wetland projects in the U.S.

These projects provide habitat for over 900 wildlife species,
including ducks, geese, and endangered species like the whooping
crane and bald eagle.

I live in the country a few miles from town, and as I lay in bed
the other night, a faint breeze carried the slightest chill through
an open window near my pillow. A passing thunderstorm had dumped
brief heavy rain earlier in the evening, and the cool air was fresh
and fragrant, almost sweet, as I pulled the covers snug around my
shoulders.

It was peaceful and quiet outside, but not totally silent, as a
constant chorus of crickets and katydids rubbed their wings together
with a familiar chatter intended to attract mates. In low flow, the
muffled drone of the river was barely discernible as it made its way
through the narrow channel flanking the land we call home. The only
artificial sounds came from the infrequent passing of an automobile
or truck on the highway across the river.

Like most nights while waiting to slip into slumber, I stared out
the window at a star-spangled sky above. The storm had moved well to
the east, but every now and then, a distant flash of lightning
revealed large billowy clouds, apparently still lingering over the
far horizon. Meanwhile, nearing its end of another cycle, the waning
moon was beyond last quarter, and wouldn't rise for another couple of
hours. It was dark out, and all was calm as I lay there, listening
and watching.

Living out of town and away from city lights offers obvious
advantages to those viewing the night sky, but another considerable
benefit comes in its relative quiet. In town, among the masses, an
unyielding flow of human activity invariably generates a loud and
inescapable racket, often exemplified by the obnoxious roar of
hopped-up engines, old pickups with poor exhaust, fancy Harleys, and
huge diesel trucks. Amid the thriving honky-tonks, youthful nighttime
traffic jams, and the periodic wail of emergency sirens, there can be
no serenity. Only in a rural environment, away from the hive, can one
find comparative quietude in a world increasingly raucous with
civilized society.

So, while lying in bed in my home south of town, I listened, and
studied the stars through my window. The glass was literally inches
from my head, and with the day/night shade raised fully out of the
way, my view encompassed a fairly broad reach of the heavens to the
east.

At once, a dazzling blaze of light streaked overhead, ever so
briefly reflecting its radiance on the forested slopes below. It was
a magnificent sight, and as I lay there in absolute wonder, it
occurred to me that it was mid-August, and the Perseid meteor shower
should be reaching its peak.

The Perseids are an annual event which occurs as the earth moves
through a particle stream orbiting the sun. Such streams are
generally the result of a passing comet or asteroid, which gradually
breaks up and sheds material ranging from dust to rocks the size of a
marble. As the material enters the earth's atmosphere, it burns up,
causing a momentary visual display.

The rate at which the Perseids fall is determined by the location
of the comet, Swift-Tuttle, as the earth crosses its orbit. The
closer Swift-Tuttle is to the earth, the higher the concentration of
meteors. For instance, in the early 20th century, the peak rate was
as low as four meteors per hour. But in 1993, when the comet was
fairly close by, peak rates were between 200 and 500 meteors per
hour.

Clearly, I did not see hundreds of meteors the other night, as I
managed to stay awake for only about 45 minutes. But in that period
of time, and in my limited field of view, I did see half-a-dozen or
more, and a couple were fairly impressive. Of course, even when there
are no meteor showers or other celestial events to capture my
attention, just surveying the broad visible expanse of the Milky Way
or some of the more prominent constellations, like Cassiopeia or
Pegasus, is fascinating and always arouses my imagination.

Aside from the many wonders of the universe, other things outside
my window keep me awake at night, even if I can't see them. For
instance, later that same evening, as I stirred for whatever reason,
the powerful scent of a skunk abruptly brought me to full
consciousness, and I found myself sitting up and peering out the
window to see where he might be. Unsurprisingly, I failed to locate
him, but his "bouquet" was so intense, I was eventually moved to
getting up and closing all the windows in the room.

There have been many nights, while lying in a state of somewhere
between total awareness and unqualified sleep, when I've suddenly
heard the deep resonant call of a Great Horned Owl through my
screened opening above. When close by, perhaps even in the ponderosa
pine just outside, I'll hear its low steady, "hooŠhoot hoot" for
several minutes at a time. Occasionally, if I listen closely, I'll
barely hear another, perhaps its mate, answer from some distance
away. Eventually though, the large nocturnal birds of prey will fall
silent, as their search for food inevitably takes priority to mating
or territorial rituals.

Countless other sounds have beguiled me in the night, such as a
pack of fervent and frenzied coyotes yowling to one another as they
gather for the hunt. During the October rut, the eerie and incessant
bugling of mature bull elk reverberates through the forests and high
mountain meadows in a constant struggle to attract cows and
intimidate male challengers. Even the lonesome bark of a domestic
hound confined to some distant outdoor enclosure captivates me as I
lay snug in my lair.

Without a doubt, the most intriguing affairs of my self-imposed
insomnia are the summer midnight thunderstorms. If I'm still awake as
a storm gathers strength, I will listen and observe until its peak
has passed, and relative calm returns in the form of a steady
downpour. If I am asleep, the variable roar of a rising wind,
followed by blinding flashes and sharp claps of thunder, will surely
awaken me. Almost immediately, I'll hear large drops of rain pelting
the roof, and within moments, a brief torrential cloudburst typically
follows. Such late-night squalls appear only rarely, but always
provide grand audio and visual entertainment.

The natural world is filled with wonder and fulfillment, and the
sights and sounds out my window at night add immeasurably to my own
personal gratification. Sure, there was a time when hot classic cars,
loud rock and roll, and nighttime social revelry allured me to town.
But today, as with most as they grow older, I find it more a
discordant diversion from the innate qualities I now enjoy through
living in the country. Besides, when I actually choose to sleep, it's
quiet enough that I can.

Blue grouse season opens Sept.
1

By Tom Carosello

Staff Writer

Though fall will not officially begin for another four weeks,
summer vacation for Pagosa Country's blue grouse populations will end
Sept. 1.

That's the opening date for blue grouse season in Colorado this
year, a season that will come to a close Nov. 10.

Area flocks are reportedly doing quite well, and hunters should
have little difficulty locating birds, especially since they are
often seen walking in plain sight along old logging roads near dawn
and dusk.

The daily bag limit for blue grouse this year is three, with only
game management units west of Interstate 25 open for hunting. This
year's possession limit is nine birds.

Hunters are also reminded to obtain a Harvest Information Program
(HIP) number before participating in this year's hunt. Hunters who do
not have a HIP number may be warned and then ticketed for
noncompliance with the program.

Hunters who do not have a HIP number for the 2004/2005 season can
sign up by calling 1 (866) COLOHIP (265-6447) or obtain a number
online by going to the Colorado HIP Web site at
http://www.colohip.com. Once obtained, HIP numbers should be written
in the space provided on 2004 licenses.

For hunters who are making this year's blue grouse season their
first, the following is a breakdown of information provided by the
Colorado Division of Wildlife.

Description

Blue grouse are the second largest grouse in North America
exceeded in size only by the sage grouse. Males are a slate-gray or
bluish gray color as compared to females and juveniles which are a
more mottled brown. Both sexes have a pale gray terminal band on
their rounded or fan-shaped tail, but the band is more distinct in
males.

Males weigh approximately three pounds, females and juveniles
about two pounds. White markings are present on the flanks and under
the tail feathers. Feathering extends to the base of the middle toe.
Bare skin over the eyes of males is yellow to orange. Females have
smaller areas of bare skin over the eyes. Males have white feathers
surrounding the cervical sacs. The white feathers and cervical sacs
are absent in females.

Habitat

Blue grouse are considered forest grouse, but during different
times of the year they utilize distinctly different habitat types.
Blue grouse winter in the high country roosting and feeding in stands
of Douglas fir and lodgepole pine.

In late March or early April, blue grouse leave the high country
and move to their breeding grounds. They may breed in a variety of
habitats, including subalpine meadows and creek bottoms. But their
preferred breeding habitat is along the aspen sagebrush interface.
East of the Continental Divide good densities of birds are found in
these aspen sage areas. West of the divide, the highest densities of
birds are found in areas where aspen and sagebrush combine with
shrubs such as oak brush, serviceberry and chokecherry.

These areas remain moist throughout the summer and provide the
forbs (low growing flowering plants such as clover and dandelion) and
insects which are crucial to the success of the young.

Reproduction/diet

Blue grouse courtship displays are not as centralized as sage or
sharp-tailed grouse. Males defend territories and "display" by
clapping wings, hooting, hopping and strutting with tail feathers
fanned.

Females lay seven to nine eggs in ground nests under shrubs, trees
or thick sagebrush. Hens raise the chicks in the breeding area for
the remainder of the summer and into early fall. Males stay in the
breeding areas until mid-July although they do not help rear young.
This allows males to mate with females that lost clutches in early
summer.

Sometime in mid-July, males move upslope to spend the remainder of
the summer and early fall in the spruce-fir forest. Males move
quickly from breeding habitat (6,500-8,500 feet) up to spruce-fir
ridge tops (9,000-11,000 feet) with a vaccinium understory.
Vaccinium, also known as blueberry or grouse whortleberry, is an
important diet component for adult males in the fall.

When the adult males leave the breeding grounds they generally
move into the highest forest available which has a vaccinium
understory. They frequent the forest edges where they find a variety
of foods. Males will stay here until late fall when the vaccinium
drops its leaves and snow pushes them into their wintering grounds

Hens with chicks stay in sagebrush/aspen habitat until mid to late
September. Unsuccessful hens may move up early like the males or may
remain in the breeding areas. How long they stay depends on the
amount of moisture. In a dry year, food is scarce so the hens and
broods leave early. In wet years, broods may remain in breeding
habitat into October. Upon leaving the breeding areas, hens and their
broods move up to join the males in spruce-fir forest and move higher
with the onset of winter.

Hunting tips

Lower elevation: Hunt edges, benches and draws. Look for berry or
mast producing shrubs such as chokecherry, serviceberry, elderberry,
currant (ribes), and oak brush. Look for seeps and other water
sources.

Higher elevations: get as high as you can and then hunt downward.
Know your trees; lodgepole pine is too low, keep going to spruce/fir.
Look for vaccinium with berries and high elevation forbs and/or
pockets of insects. Look for sign such as feathers, droppings, tracks
and dusting bowls.

A good bird dog is an asset in the sage/aspen areas. They aren't
as much of an asset in the high country (where birds don't tend to
hold a point) and can even hamper your hunting efforts.

For every bird you see, you've probably walked past five to 10.
Blue grouse tend to be gregarious; where you find one bird there
should be others nearby.

Fall turkey season opens Sept.
1

By Tom Carosello

Staff Writer

Pagosa Country turkey hunters have less than a week to prepare for
the second of Colorado's annual turkey seasons.

This year's fall season runs Sept. 1-Oct. 3, and an abundance of
recent sightings in Archuleta County and neighboring counties suggest
area flocks are both healthy and numerous.

In fact, according to the Colorado Division of Wildlife, statewide
turkey populations are at an all-time high, and public lands in
southwest Colorado boast the greatest numbers of native birds - the
subspecies known as Merriam's turkeys.

Since Merriam's turkeys inhabit ponderosa pine, oak brush and
pinon/juniper terrain at elevations averaging 6,500-8,500 feet, local
hunters are afforded the chance to bag a turkey without wandering far
from home.

The other subspecies of turkey in Colorado that is fair game
during spring and fall seasons, the Rio Grande, was introduced from
central plains states in 1980 and inhabits mainly riparian areas such
as river bottoms located adjacent to agricultural areas.

While hunters were limited to harvesting only male turkeys during
the spring season, bag and possession limit for the fall season is
one turkey of either sex.

However, hunters who took two turkeys during the spring season in
accordance with new state regulations cannot harvest a turkey during
the fall season.

Another reminder - hunters who have purchased or plan to purchase
unlimited licenses may hunt Sept. 1-Oct. 3 statewide except units
that are totally closed to turkey huntng.

The following is a list of additional reminders and information
for hunters who plan to participate in this year's fall turkey
season:

- New for 2004 - state and federal laws now require hunters to
provide their Social Security number when buying or applying for
hunting licenses;

- You do not need to register with the Harvest Information Program
(HIP) to hunt turkeys in Colorado;

- State Wildlife Areas are closed to hunting;

- Legal hunting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to sunset.

For more information on this year's fall turkey season, pick up a
copy of the regulations brochure at area sporting goods stores or any
DOW office, call (303) 297-1192, or visit the DOW turkey hunting
index online at http://wildlife.state.co.us/hunt/turkey/.

Forest Service plans prescribed
burns near Pagosa Springs

Conditions permitting, the Pagosa Ranger District of the San Juan
National Forest will do prescribed burning in the Kenney Flats area
during the next few weeks.

The Kenney Flats prescribed fire area is southeast of Pagosa
Springs and east of U.S. 84, between Blanco Basin and Buckles Lake
Roads.

The intent is to burn up to 180 acres. This is a maintenance burn
in an area that has been treated with prescribed fire three times
since 1975.

Due to previous treatments, fuel levels have been reduced to allow
burning during a period that more closely duplicates the timing of a
natural fire.

Before any fire is ignited, all conditions described in an
approved burn plan must be met. Those conditions include
temperatures, fuel moisture level, wind predictions, smoke dispersal,
and available crew, back-up crew and equipment.

Burns will be ignited and monitored by ground crews. The fires
will be contained with natural and man-made firebreaks. The goal is
to burn undergrowth and ground debris, but leave larger trees alive.

Areas along the Blanco River and in Coyote Park may be affected by
smoke as smoke will travel to the northeast during the day and down
slope along at night.

This project is part of the National Fire Plan underway across the
nation to reduce the build-up of natural fuels and thus lower the
intensity of wildfire behavior. Prescribed fire improves the health
of ponderosa pine stands by reducing competition from Gambel oak,
removing ground litter to expose mineral soil for seed germination,
and releasing natural minerals and nutrients into the soil.

Local radio announcements will be made just prior to the beginning
of the prescribed burning project.

For more information contact the Pagosa Ranger District at
264-2268 or stop by the office at 180 Pagosa St.

Noxious weed report slated for
horsemen

The September meeting of Four Corners Backcountry Horsemen will be
at 7 p.m. Sept. 2 at Calvary Presbyterian Church on Mill Street in
downtown Bayfield.

Noxious weeds will be the topic in a program presented by Rod
Cook, La Plata County weed manager. "Pretty can be pretty horrible
when a noxious weed destroys a hay crop, kills horses or starves
mountain goats," he points out.

This will be a good opportunity to learn to identify bad weeds and
how to handle them.

Prospective members are encouraged to attend and join. The current
membership totals 191.

Sign up for weekly fun rides at the meeting. The Oct. 7 meeting
will be at the same location.

Hunter education

course tonight, tomorrow

Hunter education classes will be held at the Pagosa Springs
Community Center Aug. 25 and 26.

Class hours will be 6-10 p.m Thursday and 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday.
Students must attend both sessions. Cost is $20 per person.

The course will be open to anyone wishing to obtain a hunter
safety card. If you were born on or after Jan. 1, 1949, you are
required to have a hunter safety card before you can purchase a
hunting license.

The course is sponsored by the Pagosa Springs Police Department in
conjunction with the Colorado Division of Wildlife.

All programs, services and activities of the DOW are operated in
compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you need
accommodation due to a disability, contact Justin Krall, Doug Purcell
or Mike Reid at 264-2131 or Don Volger at 264-4151, Ext. 239.

To assure DOW can meet your needs, please notify any of the above
at least seven days before the class.

Big game archery seasons open
Saturday

Bow hunters get their chance for big game with the archery season
opening Saturday.

Unlimited season for elk, deer and pronghorn, using only hand-held
bows, continues in area hunting units through Sept. 26.

For bear hunters, the archery season is Sept. 2-26, unlimited for
either sex in the hunting units all or partially in Archuleta County.

Letters

Advice to PLPOA

Dear Editor:

Now that the Board of County Commissioners has wisely postponed
the proposal for a large increase in the tax base for road
maintenance, PLPOA has the opportunity to become involved and be an
effective representative of the Pagosa Lakes property owners.

The board of directors of PLPOA has asked "what can we (the board)
do?" I would like to respectfully suggest the following:

By actively participating in the planning process for future road
maintenance and/or construction, PLPOA can give the membership
accurate information about what is being proposed as to means,
methods and cost. This could assure an educated vote when and if the
tax increase is proposed.

To accomplish this it would require adding to the PLPOA staff,
perhaps an engineering tech, engineer in training or even an intern
on a full- or part-time basis. This staff person could review the
county's work product either with cooperation of the county or from
available open records.

Availability of materials and the costs for engineering, planning
and pre-bid preparation would be reviewed and presented to a PLPOA
Roads Committee before bids were received and contracts awarded by
the county.

Given the amount of work to be accomplished on the roads and very
large dollar investment to pay for it, (Pagosa Lakes has less than 15
percent of the road mileage and pays 30 percent plus of the tax
base), assuring that we get the biggest bang for the buck is a worthy
investment of staff time and the minimal expense to PLPOA.

Glenn Bergmann

Young revisionists

Dear Mr. Bennett:

Thank you for making your opinion plain. I was concerned, and now
I know where you stand. Perhaps we both can dance on the head of a
pin?

I do not think it is an overstatement to say that none of us
(well, not you, obviously - I am speaking for myself and my friends)
really like politicians. When faced with an election, whether local
or national, we choose the least objectionable alternative or the
candidate we most believe in.

I think I know who you most believe in. Thank you for sharing.

The reason I am writing is your comment about the radicals of the
'60s having become the revisionists and dividers of the 21st century.

Well, sir, every younger generation (even yours, I think) has
become the 'revisionists' of the next 30 or 40 years. That is how our
country has grown and prospered.

When Ike was president, our America took off on an unprecedented
growth spurt. I was a child then, and I remember when our telephone
changed from telling the operator who we wanted to talk with, to
actually dialing the person's number.

Then, in the '60s, national attention was turned to things like
"one man, one vote." National attention turned to my brothers and
sisters who served in Southeast Asia. National attention turned to a
better way of using our clout in the world to better the state of
mankind.

OK, there is a volume to be said here, and I will not go there.

I return to your revisionists and dividers comment.

Sir, we young people definitely are revisionists - and we are not
dividers.

We are revisionist in that we have seen a bit of humanity at its
best. The '60s, part of the '70s. The dream. And its worst, also.
What we desire is for all of us to continue living to our best
ability. What we revisionists want is for every person to grow into
the best possible person they can be.

The "dividers" are you, sir. And the people who think as you do.
We young people (I am 56 years old) do not have a problem with anyone
becoming whatever they want to become, in whatever way they can.

Other than a political point, what is your problem with the
upcoming generation?

What is wrong with being progressive (revisionist) or "divisive"
from your perspective? From mine, inclusive! It is only "divisive"
because you do not participate. We need your two cents worth. This is
our country, young and old, and we all must work together to ensure
its continuity.

I thank you for your letter to the editor, because it gave me
pause to remember why I worked for my Uncle Sam for four years. I did
it so people like you could write the kind of stuff you have written.

I guess I did my job pretty well.

Thank you for sharing.

George B. Gilmore

Christian Bush?

Dear Editor:

A woman told me she was going to vote for George Bush because
"He's a Christian." This was a bit puzzling. I went to church as a
child, and felt that many things Jesus said made a lot of sense. I
was told Jesus was The Prince of Peace.

Bush claims to be "A war president." As I recall, Christ stressed
"Blessed are the meek...," as opposed to "Bring it on" and "You're
either with us or against us." Although "Love your enemies" or "Turn
the other cheek" might not be terribly effective catch phrases in
this political climate, they have been attributed to the leader Bush
claims to follow.

And didn't Jesus say something about it being harder for a rich
man to enter heaven than for a camel to go through the eye of a
needle? And didn't he even suggest that the wealthy give everything
to the poor? Of course, Jesus spoke in parables and metaphors, but
wouldn't the general idea go rather contrary to Bush's economic
programs and tax cuts, which make the rich even richer and the poor
poorer?

The President cites his concern for "the sanctity of life" as the
rationale for his opposition to stem cell research, abortion, and
dissemination of vital reproductive information to women in third
world countries.

Is only unborn life sacred? Didn't Texas governor Bush execute
more prisoners than any governor in history? Hasn't the preemptive
war in Iraq cost thousands of lives?

I'm sure many good Christians could point out passages in the
Bible which would clarify my confusion, and explain to me what Jesus
really meant when he said these things. But, in the meantime, I'm
still puzzled.

A. John Graves

Sales tax shares

Dear Editor:

At the recent Pagosa Lakes Property Owners meeting a member
mentioned the inequitable distribution of sales tax revenue between
the county and town might be of concern in connection with road
financing.

The 4-percent county sales tax returned $2,462,113 to each for the
year 2003, a total of $4,924,226. A rather respectable amount.

County population is about 11,000, including town population which
is about 1,600 (C of C numbers). Fifteen percent of county residents
benefit from 50 percent of the sales tax proceeds while 85 percent
piddle along with the other 50 percent.

With a truly equitable division, the town would have received 15
percent or $738,634. With a suggested split of 75 percent county-25
percent town, that would have increased by 67 percent to $1,231,057.
This 75-25 split would have given the county an additional $1,231,057
for road maintenance.

With tax revenue of this magnitude, and which can only increase,
it is hardly out of line to urge the county commissioners to spend
considerable time and effort toward changing the present 50-50 split
to something more equitable to county residents living outside town
limits.

They have the means to do this. The likely incoming commissioners
should, also, take a close look at this situation. It seems the
independent candidate has already pledged allegiance to the town
mayor and probably couldn't help much.

Fitzhugh Havens,

Chromo

Dishonest ads

To the Editor and citizens of SW Colorado:

Regardless of who we choose to support in the November
presidential elections, citizens require a fair and reasonable
discussion of the many critical issues facing our beloved United
States. Citizens deserve an honorable campaign season.

Last week, a group of far-right Bush allies released an ad which
claims John Kerry faked his injuries, betrayed his troops, and
"dishonored his country" in Vietnam. The ad features people who say
"I served with John Kerry" (although they didn't) and who make
numerous provably false accusations about Kerry's war record.

(1) The "Swift Boat" ad is so far beyond the pale that even
Senator John McCain, a Bush supporter, spoke out about it, calling it
"dishonest and dishonorable."

(2) In a recent interview, Senator McCain noted that the ad "was
the same kind of deal that was pulled on me" in 2000. McCain was
referring to a vicious smear campaign - which included race-baiting
allegations that he had a black child out of wedlock - run by close
Bush allies in 2000. In fact, the same firm that ran some of the
anti-McCain ads in 2000 produced the "Swift Boat" ad.

(3) Discussing the "Swift Boat" ad, McCain said, "I deplore this
kind of politics." Nebraska Governor Mike Johanns (R) called the ad
"trash" and even Pat Buchanan said "not a single charge is
substantiated . . . I think the ad is wrong."

(4) Fact: Senator John Kerry is a man who volunteered to serve his
country in Vietnam, a man to whom the United States Navy awarded a
Silver Star, a Bronze Star and three Purple Hearts.

It's clear that the ad continues the tradition of campaign dirty
tricks. As voters, we need to send a clear message to candidates and
the media who sell ad space and time to dishonest campaigners: Give
us respect, discuss the critical issues with an agenda of integrity.

Cristy M. Holden

Road math

Dear Editor:

I was interested in the article on road maintenance which appeared
in the Aug. 19 issue of The SUN. The need for repair on county roads
was discussed in terms of a quality index which ranged from 1 to 100.
The 100 was good, and apparently the county roads rated 40 to 50. On
that basis, it was claimed that therefore it would take four or five
times more money to bring the roads up to snuff.

Now, I'm not sure how the index varies or is calculated, but
usually indices are linear in nature. Thus, the county roads at 40 or
50 are only 2 or 2.5 times less than the 100 index level, not four or
five times.

It would appear the need for additional repair may be overstated
somewhat. Anyway, the analysis was confusing to me and maybe to
others and should be reviewed.

Ed Mergens

Community
News

Local Chatter

All the details about the Tour
de France

By Kate Terry

SUN Columnist

The Tour de France 2004, the greatest cycling event in the world,
was held just before the Olympic Games began. OLN, the Outdoor Living
TV Network, carried the whole tour and according to the Nielsen
Ratings, it was one of the most watched TV programs ever.

As in all sports, there are terms and rules, but no other sport
lasts 21 days - 19 racing days and two rest days - as the Tour de
France, and just casual TV tuning to the races can be confusing. So,
with the help of Bob Roll's book, "Tour de France," here are some
explanations.

Roll has ridden the Tour de France four times. He has helped
announce the Tour for OLN since 2001, adding his expertise and humor
to the program. He writes with the same flair.

The Tour de France lasts 21 days. It is not one race, but many
races. Each day is a race.

It starts in northern France and makes a loop around the country,
covering the lowlands, and into the Pyrenees Mountain and the Alps
and finishes in Paris. It attracts thousands of people who arrive a
week before the Tour begins to claim a spot along the route. They
pass the time partying, dancing, etc. Preceding the racers is a
carnival-type parade of theme-decorated floats and lots of freebies
thrown out. There is music and lots of noise and support cars for the
teams - cars with food, bicycles, water, etc.

The pack of riders is called the "peloton." A "break away" is when
several riders break away from the pack to take the lead. "Attach" is
when a racer makes a sudden move from within the pack to get to the
head of the pack.

A team is made up of nine riders. One is a "designated rider" and
the others are there to assist. They have been selected to do certain
duties. One may be a climber and others act as wind buffers for the
designated rider, etc. Most teams are sponsored. The U.S. Postal
Service sponsors the U.S. Team. Lance Armstrong has been the
designated rider and he has just won his sixth Tour de France.

There is a courtesy standard amongst the riders. When a rider
falls (for some reason or the other) the other racers slow down to
give the fallen rider a chance to get back in the race.

About the race, sportswriter Red Smith, covering the 1960 Tour for
the New York Herald-Tribune wrote - "Š The government could fall, and
even the recipe for sauce bearnaise be lost, but if it happened
during the Tour de France, nobody would notice."

Points are given for each race and shirts of certain colors are
passed to the riders who gain the necessary points to wear them. The
green jersey goes to the rider who wins the most points in the Tour.
The polka dot jersey is the best climber prize. And the white jersey
is for the best rider under the age of 25. The yellow jersey goes to
the leader - the winner of the Tour de France.

This most grueling sport helped to unite Europe following World
War II. It has clout!

To really learn about the Tour de France, I urge you to read Bob
Roll's book.

About town

Money donations are badly needed for Hurricane Charlie relief. If
you would like to donate, call the American Red Cross Southwest
Colorado Chapter at 259-5383 or mail to P.O. Box 2552, Durango, CO
81302. Pagosa Springs is under the Southwest Colorado Chapter.

Fun on the run

Early in their marriage, the husband did something really stupid.
His wife chewed him out for it. He apologized and they made up.

However, from time to time, the wife mentioned what he had done.
"Honey," the man finally said one day, "why do you keep bringing that
up? I thought your policy was 'forgive and forget.'"

"It is," she said. "I just don't want you to forget what I've
forgiven and forgotten."

Senior News

No cowboy poetry, but game day
is growing in popularity

By Laura Bedard

SUN Columnist

The cowboy poetry didn't happen this week, but we are hoping to
have Bill Downey back soon to recite words of beauty. If you see him,
please encourage him to come visit us at the Senior Center.

Game Day continues to grow. We had quite a few people in for Bingo
and a few others tried their hand at other games as well. From now
on, we will try Game Day on the first Tuesday of the month, so next
month we'll have it Sept. 7. Check it out.

We'll be celebrating birthdays Aug. 27 - so if you have a birthday
in August, come in for lunch and we'll be serving cake as well. All
seniors get a birthday card and we'll sing to you as well. Celebrate
with us.

Our last ice cream social of the summer will be Aug. 31 at 1 p.m.
We will have vanilla ice cream and basic toppings, but some people
like to bring their own toppings for fun. Ice cream is only 50 cents
and we're pleased to announce that Susy Long and Judy Patton will be
here to sing for us, as the "Sounds of Assurance." With a title like
that, who wouldn't want to hear them sing? Come join us.

A representative of the Southwest Center for Independence will be
here Sept. 1 to give a short talk at lunch about visual aids.

Do you want to get rid of old health aids? Old walkers, toilet
lifts, crutches etc. take up room and someone else might need them.
We can't take it, but we can list your items in our newsletter or in
this SUN column to help you pass on this stuff to someone who needs
it. Clean out your closets and give us a call.

We are looking for a volunteer with a CDL with a passenger
endorsement to drive our seniors to occasional special events. This
is a wonderful opportunity to have fun with seniors. For more
information, contact Musetta at 264-2167.

Do you have any videos you would like to pass along? Our video
library is shrinking, but we still have people interested in
borrowing movies. If you want to share your movies, bring them in to
our office.

Southwest Center for Independence in Durango wants to start a
senior blind support group to learn and discuss the problems and the
things that help when you have a vision loss. If you are interested
in forming a group that meets in Pagosa once a month, please tell
Musetta or Laura at the "Den" or call Gail in Durango at 259-1672.

Subject: Brass Monkey

In the heyday of sailing ships, all warships and many freighters
carried iron cannons.

Those cannon fired round iron cannonballs. It was necessary to
keep a good supply near the cannon. But how to prevent them from
rolling about the deck?

The best storage method devised was to stack them as a square
based pyramid, with one ball on top, resting on four, resting on
nine, which rested on 16.

Thus, a supply of 30 cannonballs could be stacked in a small area
right next to the cannon. There was only one problem - how to prevent
the bottom layer from sliding/rolling from under the others.

The solution was a metal plate with 16 round indentations, called
a "monkey." But if this plate was made of iron, the iron balls would
quickly rust to it. The solution to the rusting problem was to make
Brass Monkeys. Few landlubbers realized that brass contracts much
more and much faster than iron when chilled. Consequently, when the
temperature dropped too far, the brass indentations would shrink so
much that the iron cannonballs would come right off the monkey. Thus,
it was quite literally, "cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass
monkey"!

And all this time, you thought that was a vulgar expression,
didn't you?

Many unexpected roadblocks have resulted in our building having to
be redesigned.

The problems include the flood plain, variances, easements, the
unexpected sewer, the culvert containing McCabe Creek among other
things -- the list goes on and on.

Anyway, the builder, architect and the board are close to a new
plan. We are still optimistic we can break ground soon. Keep tuned,
we should know something next week.

Our special thanks to Don Heitkamp who is volunteering his time to
oversee the project for the board of trustees.

We've received $175,000 from an Energy Impact Grant from the
Colorado Division of Local Government and $100,000 from the Colorado
Gates Family Foundation toward our project. This is the Gates Rubber
Company, not Bill Gates. Bill gave us two computers two years ago.

Cookbook

We're proud to be helping the Humane Society sell their new
cookbook. We especially enjoy the cover photograph by Jeff Laydon.

Congratulations to Lynn Constan and her committee for this
collection of treasured recipes. Pick up several copies of the book
for your holiday shopping.

New book

While I am against touting the many fad diet books, we have a
nutrition book that does deserve your attention if you are looking at
healthy eating that might result in weight loss.

It is "Nobody Knows the Calories I've Seen," by Arthur Sturges.

Charles Osgood of CBS had this to say about Sturges: "As a life
long soldier in the Battle of the Bulge, I have never had much use
for the preachings of thin-lipped (and thin-hipped) ascetics. But
here is Arthur Sturges, clearly a man after my own heart. Like me, he
used to be on the 'see food' diet. Every time he'd see food, he'd eat
it. But he's lost more than a hundred pounds, still loves his food,
but loves his life even more. His book tells you how he did it, and
how you and I can do it too."

Sturges is a former chef who shares some of his best recipes he's
re-engineered to be healthy and still tasty. The author has some
positive yet realistic suggestions that can help us change our eating
habits. The author implores us to understand we are grossly
overweight, unhealthy and uninformed. "We have surpassed couch potato
status and become rooted to the furniture and the TV."

He believes we are naive victims of multimillion dollar industries
made up of food manufacturers, advertisers and health care companies.
"We're fat fools surviving on the typically American diet of
misinformation covered in a glaze of exaggeration with just a dash of
truth." Sturges believes we are killing our children as well as
ourselves. "We spend a fortune on medical research to prevent heart
attacks and strokes, yet we ignore the findings and continue to eat
in dangerous ways."

Sturges presents the "Triple D Theory," diets, denial and
disappointment - and how an accurate understanding of calories, fats
and cholesterol relates to your good health and staying alive. He
recommends moderation and a positive way to change our habits.

"The New Flooring Idea Book," by Regina Cole helps create style
from the ground up as you assess what you have and decide whether to
replace, repair or redesign your floor. You will find all you need to
know about the newest types of flooring that include bamboo, concrete
and even leather.

New CDs available

We probably have about 50 of the new music CDs left that can be
had for bargain prices. Come look over the collection.

Computer use up

We enjoy meeting all of the traveling folks who stop by to check
their e-mail. They come from all over the world. They travel from
library to library keeping in touch with friends and family back
home.

Our computers are kept busy all day long. Most users understand
and abide by the rules and are pleasant. However, there are a few who
don't believe they should have to cooperate and are downright rude
when asked to do so.

Computer use is definitely a privilege. We will not tolerate
abusive behavior on the part of those taking advantage of this
privilege.

I will use this opportunity to announce publicly that, in the
future, anyone who harasses the staff or acts in an abusive manner
will be asked to leave, all computer privileges will be canceled, and
the police may be contacted.

Donations

Thanks for donations to the building fund from Rowena Adamson,
Chamber of Commerce, Virginia Sheets, Don and Ethel Rasnic in memory
of Helen Gallegos Tabor.

Chamber News

Seeking the unique gift?
Auction for the Animals may have the right one

By Sally Hameister

SUN Columnist

This Friday, Aug. 27, is the Humane Society
of Pagosa Springs' 10th annual Auction for the Animals at the Pagosa
Springs Community Center, starting at 5:30 p.m.

As always, you will find the most intriguing
and unique items imaginable just awaiting your bid.

The range of offerings always just blows my
mind with everything from a lot in Texas, a flight in a biplane, a
pool table, a watercolor of your pet, autographed celebrity and
author items to die for to a guitar and a Clint Black autographed
denim shirt worn during a concert (has it been washed, or would the
potential buyer like it as is?).

For our local lovers of Fred Harman - and
what's not to love? - there will be not only a framed print, but a
denim jacket sporting an embroidered replication of a Red Ryder comic
book cover with 192,371 stitches (that's over a mile of thread) in 15
colors. This K.K. Paddywhacks work of art took over 35 hours to
digitize and six hours to embroider. The lucky winner will be hard
pressed to decide whether to wear it or frame it.

Along with all these wonderful items, you
will find gourmet hors d'oeuvres, wine and beer and some outstanding
company. Be sure and pick up your tickets before the end of day today
to save some dough - they will be more expensive at the door. Hope to
see you all the community center at 5:30 p.m. Friday.

City Market closure

Please keep in mind that the Country Center
City Market will be closed for remodeling from 5 p.m. Friday through
Tuesday, Aug. 31. Pharmacy customers may pick up their prescriptions
Saturday, Monday and Tuesday at the front of the store. Their
official grand opening will be Wednesday, Sept. 1, and they look
forward to serving you beginning at 6 a.m. that day.

Whistle Pig concert

The Hudsons are proud to announce that Bruce
Hayes will perform at the next Whistle Pig Concert in their home at
446 Loma Street Sunday, Aug. 29, beginning at 7 p.m.

Bruce Hayes is a mandolin and guitar wizard
who has been referred to as "the Jimi Hendrix of the mandolin" so he
has to be some kinda wonderful. The suggested donation of $10 will
include not only the quirky, high-energy renderings of Mr. Hayes, but
coffee, tea and homemade desserts at intermission.

Reservations are strongly encouraged and you
may do so by calling Clarissa at 264-2491.

Four Corners Folk
Fest

The fabulous Four Corners Folk Festival is
just around the corner with another astonishing list of performers
which includes some of Pagosa's very favorites from past years and
some new folks that will boggle the mind. I'm just sorry that my
daughter can't come in from Portland to hear one of her all-time
favorite female songstresses, Gillian Welch, but life isn't perfect.

The Festival opens with a big bang with
local darlings, the Pagosa Hot Strings, at 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 3,
and ends with the crowd-pleasing Tim O'Brien Band performance at 8:30
p.m. Sunday Sept. 5.

You can grab a complete performance schedule
at the Visitor Center or go online at www.folkwest.com for more
information. Local ticket outlets are Moonlight Books in downtown
Pagosa and WolfTracks Coffee Company and Bookstore on the west side.

Rest assured that Crista and Dan of FolkWest
continue to raise the bar every year bringing in bigger and better
names to create an even more awesome festival. Like fine wine, this
festival just gets better and smoother with each and every
year.

Sidewalk Saturday
Sale

In conjunction with the FCFF, we at the
Chamber have established another tradition that is always fun and one
that I think our festival folks have come to anticipate and
appreciate, the Sidewalk Saturday Sale.

This is a simple plan, but one that offers
the opportunity for significant savings to customers and a chance for
local merchants to usher out the summer inventory to make way for the
fall and winter.

Locals have been known to take advantage of
the considerable savings opportunities available to them on this
Saturday as well as the chance to be outside and check out all the
offerings from the far west of town to the far east of town.

All the member merchants are invited to
participate, so chances are that your favorite store will offer some
bodacious bargains on that day. Go out there and spend/save some
money and enjoy yourselves.

Leading Edge
training

Joe Keck, director of the Small Business
Development Center at Fort Lewis College, is looking for a few good
entrepreneurs to join him for the Leading Edge Entrepreneurial
Training in Pagosa Springs beginning Wednesday, Sept. 15, 6-9 p.m.

This is an intense 12-week program designed
to encourage business expansion in the community. Topics will include
planning and research, marketing, managing your money, better
business practices and creating business plans.

Tuition for this course is $285 or $395 if
you're pursuing college credit. You can give us a call at 264-2360 or
Joe Keck in Durango at 247-7009.

Memory Walk

The Alzheimer's Association will hold it's
first Memory Walk in Pagosa Springs Saturday, Sept. 11, beginning at
11 a.m. in Town Park.

To get information about forming a team,
incentives and schedules, contact Ernie or Diane locally at 731-4330
or at www.coloradomemorywalk.org. Call them today and get an early
start for your team!

ColorFest Fall Ball

Doug gave you a heads-up last week on the
upcoming annual ColorFest celebration which will take place next
month with all the balloon grandeur and beauty along with the
predictable fun and silliness of the Wine and Cheese Tasting with
this year's theme, "Fall Ball - Leaf Your Troubles Behind."

Mark your calendars for the weekend of Sept.
17-19 and consider what it is that you might want to wear. Again,
this is one of those Chamber deals where you are invited to wear
anything at all that makes you comfortable and also encouraged to
dress to theme if you choose. Since we're calling it a "Ball" you can
dress up if you like in all the vibrant fall colors or wear jeans and
a tee shirt if that's what floats your boat.

The Wine and Cheese Tasting takes place in
the Chamber parking lot 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 17, and the
ColorFest Community Picnic and Concert will be 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept.
18, at the Extension building.

We are so pleased once again to welcome the
Bluegrass Cadillac to entertain at the picnic because so many of you
enjoyed them so much last year.

Add in mass ascensions of hot air balloons
on Saturday and Sunday mornings and a balloon glow after the picnic
and you've got a weekend to remember.

We'll be passing on more info in the weeks
to come, so stay tuned and plan to attend.

Heads up

Next week's column will include information
about two more events that will be held Saturday, Sept. 11, along
with the Alzheimer's Walk.

Look for info on the American Red Cross
adult CPR class offered in conjunction with National Preparedness
Month and an old-fashioned church fair, the Shamrock Festival hosted
by St. Patrick's Episcopal Church. Pay attention kids, and join us
again next week.

Membership

What a pleasure it is to award gold stars
and SunDowner passes to Kathryn Heilhecker and Lyn DeLange of the
Pagosa Springs Welcoming Service for recruiting three of this week's
four new members. Wow, we can't thank you enough, ladies, and
encourage you to keep up the good work in bringing new faces and new
talents to the Chamber of Commerce. Ann Graves also earned high marks
and a pass this week for her recruiting efforts and we couldn't be
more pleased. Ann also serves as a Chamber Diplomat, so she gets an
extra hug for acting as a volunteer and recruiter. Once again, we at
the Chamber get by with a lot of help from our friends.

We are especially happy to welcome our first
new members, Sally and Mark Leavitt, because they are old friends of
the Chamber who left town and have returned with the Downside Moose
Restaurant in the Mountain Run Center at 565 Village Drive. Those of
you who have been here for a few years will remember that Sally and
Mark owned and operated the Moose River Pub for a number of years
before they departed Pagosa. They're back and continuing the
delicious Moose tradition of great steaks, seafood, sandwiches,
salads and their ever-so-famous chimichangas. They also offer a full
bar and welcome reservations which you can secure by calling them at
731-3677. Welcome back, Sally and Mark. We are grateful to Kathryn,
Lyn and Bill Goddard for suggesting Chamber membership to these good
folks and passes are in the mail.

Jim Klaproth joins us next with Aspen Home
Loans at 48 Grenadier Place. The folks at Aspen Home Loans specialize
in 100-percent loans for first-time homeowners and stated income and
no doc refinance loans, construction loans and lot loans. I
especially like Jim's e-mail site wethinkbig@direcway.com, or you can
reach him by phone at 731-9855 or cell 749-3955.

Kathryn Saley is new member No. 3 who joins
us with P.R.E.C.O., Inc. at 65 Twincreek Circle. P.R.E.C.O., Inc.
offers plumbing and heating services and is fully licensed and
insured. Their commitment to excellence is in force 24 hours a day,
365 days a year with both scheduled and emergency services. You can
reach them at 731-9809, cell 946-6646 or after hours at
385-8126.

Welcome to Jan and Don Aarvold who join us
this week as associate members thanks to the efforts of Kathryn
Heilhecker. We're grateful to all three of these fine people.

Our renewals this week include Connie Giffin
with Mountain Classic Mortgages; Joy Downing with Joy's Natural
Foods; Linda Sapp with Loma Clay Works; Ray Ball with Abracadabraat;
John Weiss with Navajo State Park in Arboles; our old buddy, Mike
Alley with La Plata Electric Association; Daniel and Linda Pruss with
the Riverbend Resort located in South Fork; Tim Horning with
Southwest Custom Builders; Terri House with The Pagosa Springs SUN;
Judy Nicholson with Civil Design Team, Inc.; Marsha Preuit with The
Spa @ Pagosa Springs; Jennifer Martin with The Rising Stars of Pagosa
Springs; Gwen Williams with KZRM-FM, 95.9 Radio located in Chama;
Frances Martinez with Rio Grande Savings and Loan Association; and
Janele Karas with Pacific Auction Exchange in the Greenbrier Shopping
Center.

Our associate member renewals this week
include our long-time supporters, friends and Diplomats Ron and
Sheila Hunkin and Ron and Cindy Gustafson. Thanks for another year of
service and support, good friends.

Veteran's
Corner

VA letters, forms can be
confusing

By Andy Fautheree

SUN Columnist

I urge all of our veterans and VA
beneficiaries to contact me if they receive VA forms or letters and
are unsure how to respond to them. I may be able to save you much
needless time and trouble.

Often these letters are VA
computer-generated letters asking for information or filing of an
attached form. These letters come from many sources such as national
VA offices, Albuquerque VAMC, contract VA facilities or the VA
Regional Office in Denver if it pertains to a VA claim.

Misleading letters

Lately I have seen a number of letters being
sent to Archuleta County veterans from the Health Centers of Northern
New Mexico (HCNNM) in Espanola. The letters say the veteran must
submit a "Means Test" and take a complete physical at the Espanola
Medical Center or they could be dropped from the VA health care
system. This is a very misleading letter.

I enrolled a number of veterans from
Archuleta County through HCNNM a couple of years ago when we did not
have the Durango VA Clinic and the Farmington VA Clinic was closed to
new patients (at that time). This was our only option at the time and
once enrolled with HCNNM the veteran could be seen at the Chama
Community Clinic, which is under HCNNM.

Not necessary

What the letter doesn't tell the veteran is
that he can fill out the Means Test form without traveling to
Espanola, which is a significant trip with the cost of fuel these
days.

In fact, since I enrolled virtually every
one of these veterans I have their application forms in my computer.
All I have to do is update the financial information and fax the form
to Albuquerque VAMC. Takes only a few minutes and saves a needless
200-mile plus trip to Espanola.

Many of those HCNNM enrollees have since
transferred to the Durango VA Clinic. Some of those who transferred
are still getting these letters from HCNNM. So it can be very
confusing and misleading.

Information
confusing

Another part of the letter tells the veteran
he must make an appointment at Espanola for a complete physical to
stay in the VAHC system or he could be dropped from active patient
status. Or at least something like that. I don't have a copy of the
letter in front of me.

Veterans still receiving their VAHC at Chama
are used to making that short trip, not all the way to HCNNM
Espanola. So why the sudden change of VA services from Chama to
Espanola?

VA computer links

HCNNM tells me Chama does not have a direct
computer link to the VA, which I knew. Only the HCNNM Espanola office
has such a link since they contract to provide VAHC services and is
not a direct VA owned facility. The medical personnel at Chama are
unable to enter the patient notes directly into the computer and must
send these notes to Espanola for entry. This takes times and causes
some delays.

Apparently, for routine patient visits at
Chama for prescription renewals and checkups, the veteran can still
go to Chama. But for higher-level examinations, blood workups, mental
health evaluation and the like, the veteran must now travel to the
medical facility in Espanola. Specialist care must still be scheduled
with Albuquerque VAMC.

Transfer to Durango

In my estimation it makes more sense for our
Archuleta County veterans to transfer to the Durango VA Clinic. A
complete physical with the above criteria can be obtained at Durango,
with much less travel and cost. To transfer to Durango a patient need
only call the Durango clinic and request to transfer and schedule
their next appointment at that facility.

HCNNM Espanola and Durango VA Clinic share
the same computer database out of Albuquerque. So, there is no
problem with patient information exchange.

The problem of traveling to Albuquerque VAMC
is the same regardless of which VA Clinic the veteran is being seen
at. You still have to go to Albuquerque for high-level specialist
care.

No accommodations
now

That burden has intensified since
Albuquerque VAMC recently and suddenly stopped providing overnight
accommodations to all patients except in very limited exceptions such
as examinations for VA Compensation or Pension Claims scheduled by
the Denver Regional Office. Even 100 percent service-connected
disabled veterans who need to travel to Albuquerque for appointments
must provide their own lodging now.

The trip is 535 miles or so round trip,
almost an impossibility to travel to and from in one day adding the
usual amount of time for the health care appointment. Certainly that
difficulty is magnified if the veteran is in poor health or has very
limited financial resources.

Write letters

I have written letters to the director of
Albuquerque VAMC strongly protesting their new policies, with copies
of those letters going to several high ranking VA and elected
officials.

I suggest veterans from here who feel as
strongly about the accommodation dilemma as I do may also want to
write letters of complaint. Call me if you need the names and address
of the proper officials.

For information on these and other veterans'
benefits please call or stop by the Veterans Service Office on the
lower floor of the county courthouse. Office number is 264-8375, fax
is 264-8376, e-mail is afautheree@ archuletacounty.org. The office is
open 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday through Thursday; Friday by appointment.
Bring your DD Form 214 (discharge) for registration with the county,
application for VA programs, and for filing in the VSO office.

Arts Line

Arts consortium conference
coming to Pagosa

By Leanne Goebel

Special to The PREVIEW

"Pagosah" is a Ute word meaning healing or boiling waters, and
Pagosa is a fitting location to host the Colorado Arts Consortium
Annual Conference: Healing the Arts in Colorado.

With drastic cuts in funding and a sluggish economy, arts
organizations statewide are struggling to make ends meet. Founded in
1978, the Colorado Arts Consortium's (CAC) vision is to integrate the
arts into the core of community life because the arts are essential
to the development of the human spirit and potential. CAC brokers
ideas, resources, and services among communities, organizations, and
individuals.

This year, CAC is brokering the idea of sustainability. Keynote
speaker for Healing the Arts in Colorado is Russell Willis Taylor,
president of National Arts Strategies, Inc. which has been investing
in the leaders of arts organizations for 20 years. Founded by the
Ford, Rockefeller and Mellon Foundations, NAS helps strengthen
communities of arts organizations and brings new approaches into the
field.

In their leadership development programs, arts executives explore
the toughest challenges facing organizations today, and learn from
some of the top business school faculty in the United States. Over
1,500 executives, board members, and staff from over 500 arts and
cultural organizations in the United States and Australia have
attended NAS seminars. Their programs bring people together across
the country and in communities to help fuel the conversation among
arts executives, board members, and funders, and to help them to take
a fresh look at their organizations.

Russell Willis Taylor has been working in the arts and
not-for-profit sector for over 20 years, in strategic business
planning, financial analysis, and all areas of operational
management. Educated in England and America, she started her career
in the arts as director of development for the Chicago Museum of
Contemporary Art before returning to England in 1984 to work with the
English National Opera. Taylor lectured at graduate programs
throughout Britain, held a number of non-executive director posts in
the commercial sector, and worked on a broad range of projects
including the establishment of a private foundation for the arts, and
helping Diana, Princess of Wales, establish the National Aids Trust.

In 1997, she rejoined the ENO as Managing Director. She is a
fellow of the Royal Society of the Arts as well as the recipient of
the first Garrett award in Britain, an annual recognition of an
individual's outstanding contribution to the arts, and returned to
the United States in 2001 to take up the post of President and CEO of
National Arts Strategies.

Healing the Arts in Colorado will also include Elaine Mariner,
executive director of the Colorado Council on the Arts; Cheryl
Bezio-Gorham, program director for CANPO; Jim Copenhaver, chairman,
Arts for Colorado; and Jim Morris, consultant for Bristlecone
Learning, LLC. Panel discussions on the do's and don'ts of capital
campaigns; workshops on grant writing, mission, vision and planning;
and board development are part of the day-long program.

Who should attend? Anyone who is passionate about art and culture
and the impact it can have on a community. Leaders of arts and
cultural organizations, volunteers, directors, administrators, staff,
board members, artists, performers, writers - anyone who wants to
help heal the arts in Colorado.

The conference is a one-day event Saturday, Sept. 11, 9 a.m.-7
p.m. at the Pagosa Springs Community Center, 451 Hot Springs Blvd.
Cost for member organizations is $50 for the first participant and
$25 for each additional participant from the same organization. This
includes lunch and a reception hosted by the Pagosa Springs Arts
Council at the gallery in Town Park.

For nonmember organizations the cost is $80 for the first
participant and $55 for each additional participant from the same
organization. This includes lunch and a one-year individual
membership in Colorado Arts Consortium, which includes a free
"base-membership" to Americans for the Arts.

Registration forms can be downloaded from the CAC Web site at
http://coloradoartsconsortium.org, or e-mail lgoebel@centurytel.net,
or contact Leanne at (970) 731-1841 for more information.

Opportunities for artists

I hope all the oil painters, watermedia artists, drawing
aficionados and pastel artists are preparing to enter their work in
the first Juried Painting and Drawing Show at the Pagosa Springs Arts
Council, Sept. 2-28.

Juror for this event is nationally recognized fine artist and
illustrator, Pierre Mion. Mion's work has been exhibited worldwide
and is included in the NASA fine arts collection and the Smithsonian
National Air and Space Museum collection. He has been widely
published in National Geographic, the Smithsonian Magazine, Look,
Life, Popular Science, and Reader's Digest. Thanks to the sponsorship
of Herman Riggs and Associates, $1,000 in prizes and merchant awards
will be presented.

All work must be original in concept and created without the
assistance of an instructor. All work must be dry, properly framed
and wired for hanging; exceptions are allowed for work specifically
intended to be unframed. Size is limited to 40 x 40, including mat
and frame. Limit of two entries per artist. All entries must be for
sale. PSAC will retain 30-percent commission on all sales.

To enter, fill out an entry form and attach it to the artwork.
Please mask the artist signature on the artwork in preparation for
judging.

Drop off the artwork and entry fee at the gallery in Town Park on
Monday, Aug. 30. Entry fee for PSAC members is $15 for one entry and
$25 for two entries. Non-members pay $20 for one entry and $30 for
two. Make checks payable to PSAC.

Artists will be notified Sept. 1 if their work has been accepted.
Unaccepted work will need to be picked up from the arts and crafts
space at the community center, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 2. Judges' awards
will be announced at a reception for the artists Thursday, Sept. 2,
5-7 p.m. at the gallery in Town Park. A people's choice award will be
announced at the close of the show Sept. 28. Artists will receive
payment for work sold by Oct. 15.

The prospectus is now available at the gallery in Town Park and
posted on the PSAC Web site at www.pagosa-arts.com.

On-going workshops

Beginning Watercolor with Denny Rose and Virginia Bartlett - every
Monday and Wednesday, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., at the Fairfield
Activities Center. Call 731-8060 to reserve a spot for only $25.

Upcoming workshops

"Poems of the Brush" with Sharri Lou Casey, Sept. 13-17 - a
five-day workshop, in plein air and studio painting at Blanco Dove.
Sharri Lou Casey is a dancer, choreographer and costume designer who
retired at the age of 30 from that career to focus on her desire to
paint. She studied at the University of California, NYU, and the
University of New Mexico. Through painting she hopes to open the eyes
of the viewer to a deeper sense of beauty and spiritual awareness.
The cost is $458 and includes meals. Contact Betty Slade at 264-2824
or bslade2@pagosa.net.

"Hidden in the Ordinary, Seen in his Glory," the 2004 Christian
Artist and Writer's Retreat, Sept. 24-27, hosted by Blanco Dove
Ministries in Pagosa Springs, Colorado and the Southwest Christian
Writers Association. Workshops on sketchbook journaling by Sharri Lou
Casey, writing by Lauraine Snelling and Jan Jonas (editor of the
Albuquerque Tribune), poetry with Connie Peters and special guest
speakers: Steve Oelschlaeger, Lynne Cumming, and Betty Lucero. For
more information contact Betty Slade at 264-2824 or e-mail her at
bslade2@pagosa.net. Check out the Blanco Dove Web site at
www.whisperingdove.org.

Workshop ideas wanted

The calendar of events is getting shorter which signifies fall is
approaching.

Submit your workshop ideas, proposals and recommendations to the
Pagosa Springs Arts Council and let's fill out that calendar!

Gallery gift shop

The gift shop at the gallery in Town Park is available to local
artisans. Please consider consigning your original work in our store.

Contact PSAC at 264-5020 for more information.

Opportunities for artists

Arts Perspective magazine is looking for artists interested in
painting, designing, decorating or embellishing a newspaper rack. If
you visit the Steamworks Brewery in Bayfield, you will find an
exciting, original work of art by Tirzah Comacho.

In exchange for your talent, Arts Perspective is offering a
quarter page ad in an upcoming issue. For more information, contact
Heather Leavitt at (970) 739-3200.

Pumas on Parade will use the display of painted life-size pumas to
both showcase the work of artists and highlight the importance of
careful stewardship of our vulnerable public lands.

With seed money from the National Endowment for the Arts and USDA
Forest Service Rural Communities Initiative Grant, the project will
build strategic partnerships among artists, businesses, communities
and public land managers. Timed to help celebrate the San Juan
National Forest Centennial in 2005, the painted sculptures will debut
in local downtown areas next summer.

Pumas on Parade is open to creative people working in all mediums:
from the celebrated to the emerging artist, the professional to the
amateur. Youths as well as adults are invited to submit designs.
Artists can go to www.sjma.org to download the images and information
forms. Or call Felicita Broennan at (970) 533-0241 for more
information. Designs must be received by Sept. 28. Sculptures will be
delivered to the chosen artists no later than Jan. 1.

The group was invited to perform at the Salt Lake City Winter
Olympics.

Kid's Korner Krafts will precede the dancing and singing at 5 p.m.
Both events are free with parks pass. Call the park office for
information at 883-2208.

Two new bands added to lineup

By Christa Munro

Special to The PREVIEW

Just one more week until the gates open on the 2004 Four Corners
Folk Festival.

The three-day event will take place over Labor Day weekend, Sept.
3-5, on Reservoir Hill.

Two new bands have been added to the lineup - The Old Crow
Medicine Show and We're About 9.

Old Crow is not the only band playing pre-World War II blues,
fiddle tunes, rags, hollers, hokum and jug band music, but they do so
with a brazenness born of growing up around AC/DC, Nirvana and Public
Enemy.

The fiery result equally impresses fussy old-time music scholars;
fellow modern day roots musicians and fans who forage on the
frontiers of hip. These five young men from four different states
joined forces in New York and lit out gypsy style while still
learning their instruments and repertoire.

They rambled town-to-town across Canada in a van, playing for food
and shelter. They settled for a year in the mountains of North
Carolina, where their knowledge of old-time string band music
blossomed and their loyalty to one another deepened. O.C.M.S. members
have no illusions that they're rediscovering the music of the pre-War
era; many of the songs they hold dear aren't being released for the
first time but being reissued for the umpteenth time. But by
reinterpreting and reintroducing this canonical American music to new
generations, they're feeding a deep cultural hunger.

Old Crow's assets go far deeper than the songs themselves. It's an
unbridled spirit, played live and loud across the nation, in a voice
that's entirely their own. The band has been touring extensively with
Gillian Welch and will be opening for her at 3:45 p.m. on the main
stage Saturday.

We're About 9 is a trio focused on complex songwriting and big
wall-of-sound harmonies. They take turns on lead vocal, all sing on
every song, and accompany their voices with thoughtfully conceived
acoustic guitar and electric base.

Katie Graybeal, Pat Klink and Brian Gundersdorf exploded on to the
folk circuit in 2003 with an unequivocal buzz, a load of festival
appearances, and a relentless arsenal of charm, energy and
intelligence. Simultaneously playing and writing for a diverse,
intelligent audience is what has given this trio a distinctive, edgy,
fun, articulate, professional style.

We're About 9 will play twice during the festival: Friday at 5:15
p.m. on the main stage and a late night set 10 p.m. Saturday on the
Nechville Summit Stage.

Much like Lyle Lovett, singer-songwriter Mark Erelli immerses
himself in vintage twang without abandoning his contemporary
sensibility and the heartfelt, thoughtful lyrics more commonly
associated with folk music. Erelli has always had a little Austin in
his Boston blood. On his newest release, Hillbilly Pilgrim, he takes
the plunge previously only hinted at, unveiling an entire album of
western swing originals.

Back in the 30s and 40s, crowds flocked to dance halls to hear
music that combined big-band jazz with country instrumentation.
Though branded "hillbilly," innovators like Bob Wills and Hank
Thompson were jazz-quality virtuosos who devised their own
sophisticated forms and styles.

Hillbilly Pilgrim finds Erelli putting a new spin on this old music  a style that fits hand in hand with the Four Corners Folk Festival tradition. Mark will make his debut with backup band The Spurs at 12:15 p.m. Sunday on the main stage.

Eileen Ivers is not new to the area, with a dazzling debut at the
2002 Four Corners Folk Festival and a stellar show last April at the
Fort Lewis Concert Hall under her belt. Those who saw either one of
those shows are anxiously awaiting her return to the lineup this
year.

Once you see Eileen Ivers in concert, she will change the way you
think about the violin. It is a rare and select grade of spectacular
artists whose work is so boldly imaginative and clearly virtuosic
that it alters the medium. The task of respectfully exploring the
traditions and progression of the Celtic fiddle is quite literally on
Eileen Ivers' shoulders.

She's been called a "sensation" by Billboard magazine and "the
Jimi Hendrix of the violin" by The New York Times. "She electrifies
the crowd with a dazzling show of virtuoso playing" says The Irish
Times. Ivers' recording credits include over 80 contemporary and
traditional albums and numerous movie scores. She is a nine-time
All-Ireland Fiddle Champion. Her latest CD, entitled Eileen Ivers
& Immigrant Soul, was released in 2003 on Koch Records, continues
to display why Ivers is hailed as one of the great innovators and
pioneers in the Celtic and World music genres. She and her band will
play 6:30 p.m. Saturday on the main stage.

Tickets to the Four Corners Folk Festival are on sale locally at
Moonlight Books and WolfTracks Coffee & Books through Sept. 1 and
also are available with a credit card online at www.folkwest.com or
by calling (970) 731-5582. After Sept. 1, tickets will be available
at the gate on the day of the show.

The festival is a family-friendly event, with free admission for
kids 12 and under, and free children's performances and activities
throughout the weekend.

The Four Corners Folk Festival is produced by FolkWest Inc., a
locally-based nonprofit organization and is supported in part by a
grant from the Colorado Council on the Arts.

Bruce Hayes to headline Whistle
Pig

The Whistle Pig Concert Series continues its season of outstanding
musical performances Sunday, Aug. 29, with an evening featuring
mandolinist/guitarist/songwriter Bruce Hayes.

This intimate house concert will take place 7 p.m. at the Hudson
House, 446 Loma Street, and will include desserts, coffee and tea at
intermission.

For years, the name Bruce Hayes has been synonymous with the
Colorado sound. Bruce performed and recorded on the very first String
Cheese Incident and Acoustic Junction releases. He tours
relentlessly, often accompanying these acts as well as Three Twins
(former subdudes) and Leftover Salmon. His last band, Ragged
Mountain, was no stranger to the Colorado club scene and festival
circuit.

Performing as a solo act, a side man, or with his various bands,
Hayes has given over 3,000 performances in many of America's finest
music venues including The Fox Theater-Boulder, The Berkshire
Performing Arts Center, The Great American Music Hall, San Francisco,
and several prominent music festivals.

His music has taken him across the continent a dozen times, and
twice around Europe. He's jammed on stage with Joe Cocker, Arlo
Guthrie, New Riders; opened shows for David Bromberg, Jorma Kaukonen,
Merle Sanders, Sub-dudes, Dave Matthews and David Lindley; and
recorded in Nashville for Grammy-winning producer, Jon Vezner.

The Whistle Pig Concert Series is presented by Artstream Cultural
Resources, a local nonprofit organization. Suggested donation for the
concert is $10 which includes dessert and beverages. Reservations are
strongly suggested and may be made by calling Clarissa Hudson at
264-2491. Get ready for a full evening of entertainment with Bruce
Hayes Sunday, at the Hudson House.

Community Choir's first
rehearsal set

Do you love to sing? Does participating in a
large mixed choral group dedicated to bringing the joy of music to
the community appeal to you?

If so, consider joining the Pagosa Springs
Community Choir. The choir is always looking for new members and
preparations are just now starting to get underway for the 2004
Community Choir Christmas concert.

For the past 13 years, members of the Pagosa
Springs Community Choir have combined talents to present an uplifting
program of traditional and contemporary music celebrating the joy of
Christmas.

This year the choir will be giving two
performances. Concerts are set for the evening of Dec. 3 and a Sunday
afternoon matinee Dec. 5 in the high school auditorium.

Under the direction of co-directors Pam
Spitler and Larry Elginer, this year's Christmas concert will include
exciting new music selections, with a wide range of styles. Some of
the selections will also feature local instrumentalists.

The first rehearsal will be 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 7, at Community United Methodist Church, 434 Lewis St.
Subsequent rehearsals will be 7-9 p.m. every Tuesday evening in the
Methodist church.

If you are interested in joining, contact
Sue Kehret at 731-3858.

$7,200 grant for schools music
program

Music in the Mountains Goes to School has
been awarded a $7,200 grant by the Colorado Council on the
Arts.

Music in the Mountains Goes to School, is
supported by funding from the Colorado Council on the Arts, a state
agency funded by the Colorado General Assembly and the National
Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.

It's support such as this that helps Music
in the Mountains to further its goals of educating and enhancing the
lives young students including those in Pagosa Springs.

Food for Thought

Say goodbye to a hero ... with
Steak Diane

By Karl Isberg

SUN Columnist

It's 1963.ß

I'm a miserable guy. My parents have derailed the Fun Train by
sending me to a private boys' school, far from most of my favorite
temptations. I am in the company of geeks all day long, five days a
week, surrounded by bozos who want to be investment bankers,
attorneys and CEOs of large corporations. I have wrecked my 1960
Austin Healy bug-eyed Sprite by flipping it end over end down the
side of a mountain and the Old Man is none too thrilled with Karl.

I am in exile, living in an apartment at my maternal grandmother's
house, scrutinized with prison-guard intensity by my grandmother and
aunt, stuck with little to do (I'm not studying, for sure) but come
home from hockey practice and watch TV.

It is a spare and desperate existence.

I have three heroes to provide me solace.

One is Rainer Maria Rilke. This one is not exactly my idea: There
is an erratic and alluring red-haired girl who just adores the guy's
poetry so, in pursuit of her, I dive in to German romanticism. You
can't believe the effort it takes after you've suffered a couple head
injuries at the rink to memorize sections of "The Duino Elegies,"
just so you can recite them to a freckled wood nymph as the two of
you recline on the fresh grass on Monkey Island in the middle of the
South Lake at Washington Park.

Then there is the stellar, crafty and toothless Chicago Blackhawk
defenseman, Pierre Pilote.

And, last but hardly least, there is Julia Child.

Over the years, only one survives as a hero.

Rilke lost ground to Wallace Stevens when the redhead tells me to
take a flying leap.

Pierre? Nice French-Canadian guy but, after all, he's just a
hockey player. And he could never shake that annoying accent.

It is Julia.

And, over the years, she does more than survive as my hero. She
becomes an icon, a larger-than-life presence for me and, I'm sure,
for most Americans who love great food and are intrigued by its
preparation.

I remember the beginning of my idol worship.

There I am, in my digs at grandma's place, a small black and white
set with tin foil tied in bows on the rabbit ears flickering and
fuzzing in front of me.

It's 10:30 p.m. Tuesday night and I'm watching Denver's public
television station - Channel 6. While others are tuning to Jack Paar,
I'm waiting for The French Chef, and its host - a tall, clunky Seven
Sisters gal with a goofy hairdo and a bobbly voice. I have pen and
paper at hand and I am ready to write down the next recipe sent my
way from WGBH in Boston.

It's not that I'm unacquainted with great food. I've been raised
around outstanding fare, influenced by a father who relishes a meal
at a fine restaurant, who spends hours in the kitchen himself,
delving into the exotic without fear. This is a guy who wolfs down
escargot a couple times a week and lugs home packages of sweetbreads
and wild mushrooms for a ragout. He regularly makes his own puff
pastry and fills shells with all manner of odd stuff. My aunt teaches
cooking and is hard to beat at the stove. A week rarely passes when
she doesn't try something new.

But here is Julia, telling me more, showing me how to do it
myself, infusing me with an attitude that will endure. She's telling
me how to make a lot of the dishes I've learned to love, illustrating
the basics, illuminating some tricks. All in the privacy of my
cell-like bedroom, late at night, on black and white TV. Just me and
her.

She is much more reliable than the redhead.

One night Julia mentions a book she wrote a couple years before
and I decide I want it.

I mention this to my Aunt Hazel and she informs me my wish is
granted: She owns the book, "Mastering the Art of French Cooking,"
which Child wrote with Simone Beck and Louisette Bertholle.

"Wonderful book, dearie. Take this copy, but don't scribble in the
margins."

That's it: I'm hooked. This is no small book, and I spend night
after night with it, reading every word - even the ones I don't
understand. I'm entranced, obsessed with the material. At school, I
sit in class buffeted by the beehive-like hum of education going on
around me. I don't understand a thing. Algebra-schmalgebra: I'm too
busy reflecting on the mystery of a farcie, daydreaming about daubes.

A while later, there's "Mastering the Art of French Cooking II." I
devour it.

Over the years, I continue to watch Julia on television. I read
"From Julia Child's Kitchen" and "The Way to Cook." Long after the
redhead and Rilke are gone, Julia remains with me.

Her message gets through: Anyone can prepare superb food at home.
Learn some basics, cook a lot of different things. Remember what you
do and incorporate what you know as you move in new directions.
Procure top-grade ingredients. Be adventurous. Have a good time.
Don't worry.

She demystifies food and its preparation. She promotes what she
considers the core cuisine (French) and its techniques in a way
anyone can understand.

I think it's fair to say she changed the way Americans regard
food. The American palate begins to broaden and deepen after she
appears on the scene. And today, some 40 years later, we have
countless magazines and books, and several cable television networks,
devoted to cooking and foods.

As the woman grows old, she starts to bend over like a big
question mark, but it's obvious she is still in the groove. She is
still at the front of the pack.

She does television shows with other cooks, with famed chefs,
notably Jacques Pepin. Tune in and she's deedling around with things,
tasting as she goes, commenting on this and that, always adding
something to the matter at hand. She personifies a delightful
reality: The joy of cooking and eating does not have to diminish with
age. Getting old does not mean tasteless, smooth foods, nourishment
taken through a straw. In fact, Child shows the edge can become
sharper, the approach more refined, simple, subtle.

To reinforce her stature as hero, she mans the bulwark against any
of the unfortunate food trends we've endured the last couple decades,
where health Nazis condemn much of what makes food great, where
exercise freaks and diet faddists cordon off food groups and attempt
to destroy them, to deprive us of wonderful, rich experiences.

Julia Child believed you should eat darned near anything you want,
in moderation. She was the true Epicurean, understanding that
pleasure is a factor as important as survival, noting there is a
discernible point where pleasure clearly turns to a negative course
and warning us to be on the alert for that point. Stay on the right
side of the line, though, and nothing is forbidden.

It works for her. She lives to be nearly 93.

She also loved butter and could not - as I cannot - envision life
without it.

Apparently she was a gracious person outside the brightly lit
world of celebrity chefs. My youngest daughter ran into her at
Pasadena's Arroyo Chophouse and had nothing but good things to say
about the experience. And the kid came away from the encounters doing
an incredible imitation of Julia Child at 88 - a woman apparently
unimpressed by her own celebrity or the celebrity of others.

Every once in a while, I'll be watching PBS or an obscure
satellite channel at the top end of the dial and there she is,
whipping up something with a companion chef. I stop whatever I'm
doing and watch.

She's my hero, after all.

And now she's gone.

In honor of her passing, I'm going to break out one of her
cookbooks - one of her last - and whip up something.

I like many of the recipes in "Julia and Jacques Cooking at Home."
In the book, Child and Pepin relate their takes on a similar dish or
product. There are a couple dandy recipes for Tomatoes Provencal.
It's a shame one can't purchase a decent tomato in this part of the
world.

Each cook provides a version of salmon en papillote, but I hate to
butter and fold parchment paper, so I'll steer clear.

I scan the book and there it is - a recipe that flexes the food
muscles, containing as it does some of Julia Child's favorite
ingredients - specifically, red meat, stock and butter. It's her
version of Steak Diane.

What you need are a couple rib eye steaks, with a large "eye" and
less of the rib cap, which gets trimmed. She says to ask the butcher
for steaks that come from near the loin, not the shoulder. Try that
one at the market!

Julia provides a quick fix. Take a can of low sodium beef stock
(low sodium since, in the reduction, the salt in the stock will be
concentrated) and simmer it for 30-45 minutes with a bunch of diced
carrot, celery, onion and tomato, and a splash or two of dry white
wine. Strain and use in place of the real thing.

Trim the eye out of the steak, put it between sheets of moistened
plastic wrap and beat the tar out of the meat until it is about a
quarter inch thick. Rub each steak with a few drops of soy sauce and
some olive oil.

Put a heavy pan over high heat and add some clarified butter to
the pan. Saute the steaks for about a minute on each side, taking
care not to overcook; the steaks should be rare. Remove the meat from
the pan and put on a heated plate.

For the sauce, slip a couple more tablespoons of clarified butter
and a couple tablespoons chopped shallots into the pan. This gets
sauteed for a minute and in goes 2/3 cup of brown stock and 2
tablespoons of mustard. The sauce is stirred, with the goodies from
the bottom of the pan scraped into the mix. Add some chopped parsley,
a bit of lemon juice, a splash of cognac, some chopped tarragon, a
bit of salt if needed and freshly ground black pepper. Reduce a bit.

The steaks go back in the pan and are coated with the sauce. Just
before serving, a hefty pat of butter is swirled in.

Ah.

To complete an homage to my hero, I need to find a black and white
TV I can hook up to my satellite receiver. I'll scan the listings for
those obscure channels at the top of the dial and when I find one of
Julia's programs I'll get the fixins for her Steak Diane and do some
cooking, enjoying every meditative moment of the process. Then I'll
flop down on the couch and eat, savoring every buttery, beefy bite
while I watch the Grand Dame deedle around in the kitchen.

Bon appetit, Julia.

Say hi to Rilke if you see him.

Extension Viewpoints

Tips for success with fall
bulbs and corms

By Bill Nobles

Preview Columnist

Fall-planted bulbs and corms.

Quick facts:

- There is a direct correlation between the size of a bulb and the
size of the flower grown from that bulb.

- September is the preferred time to plant bulbs so they root well
before the ground freezes.

The selected site should have adequate sunlight, be well drained
and show the flowers off to their best advantage. Bulbs are planted
much deeper than seed; therefore, soil preparation methods differ.
Plant bulbs with the growing tip up. Fertilizer must be present in
the root zone to be effective.

Selection

The earlier bulbs and corms are purchased in the fall, the better
the selection. Select the largest bulbs of a variety, because there
is a direct correlation between bulb and flower size. Avoid those
that show evidence of mold or mechanical damage.

While it is preferable to select bulbs and corms individually from
open bins rather than prepackaged, there is a chance that a customer
may not put bulbs back in the proper bins. If the adjacent bins have
similar bulbs, this mix-up will go undetected.

Generally, a gardener selects the site before purchasing bulbs.
This site usually is conspicuously located to show the flowers off to
their best advantage. If the bulbs will remain in this location for
more than one year, they need adequate sunlight to regenerate strong
bulbs. A southern exposure, especially when close to the foundation,
induces early emergence that may result in freezing injury. Provide
drainage so the bulbs do not stand in water. Finally, a solid block
of one color is more impressive from a distance than a mixture of
colors and varieties.

Growing fall bulbs

September and October are the best months for planting bulbs
because they can become well rooted before the ground freezes. Bulbs
planted after October may not have time to root adequately and
therefore may not flower uniformly in the spring.

Plant the bulbs at a depth consistent with the level indicated on
the planting chart. As a general rule, this depth is four times the
height of the bulb between the soil surface and the tip of the bulb.
Plant bulbs with the growing tip up.

After the ground freezes, cover the bed with a 3-inch mulch to
prevent alternate freezing and thawing that breaks roots and damages
bulbs. This mulch may be removed in April before the shoots emerge,
or left in place if the shoots can penetrate it easily.

Remove flowers as soon as they wither, because seed production
diverts food that otherwise would be used to produce more vigorous
bulbs. Apply nitrogen at the rate of 1/4 pound per 100 square feet
before the foliage withers. After the foliage has withered
completely, the bulb is dormant. The bed usually is not dug up after
the first year. However, after the second year, the developing bulbs
begin to crowd and lose much of their original vigor. When this
occurs, dig the bulbs in late August and allow them to dry for a few
days in a shady, cool spot. Divide and replant only the best ones,
preferably in a new location. If none of the bulbs is as large as the
original ones, purchase new bulbs for better results. This is
especially true of hyacinths, which are seldom worth transplanting.
When the bulb bed occupies a prominent place in the yard, many
growers remove the bulbs after flowering, replacing them with annuals
for the summer. It also is possible to interplant annuals among the
withering bulb tops. However, do not remove the bulb tops until they
are dead. The annuals grow faster and fill in the bed sooner if 5
pounds of 5-10-5 fertilizer per 100 square feet are worked into the
soil rather than the 1/4 pound of N as suggested previously.

Lilies normally are planted in the spring, while autumn crocuses
normally are planted in midsummer. Most other bulbs are planted in
the fall. Planting depths are for well-drained soils. Bulbs do best
in a sandy, clay loam. In heavier soils, they should be planted 1 to
2 inches higher.

Soil Preparation

Bulbs are planted deeper than seed; therefore, soil preparation
methods differ from those used elsewhere in the Garden. Make sure to
plant all bulbs below 4 inches. For fertilizer to be effective, it
must be present in the vicinity of the roots.

Excavate the bed to the bulbs' planting depth. Apply the
fertilizer and soil amendments at this level, and spade or rototill
the soil to a depth of 3 or 4 inches.

Aeration is the most important aspect of soil preparation. Before
the soil is shoveled back into the bed, mix it with some type of
organic matter. Space the bulbs as desired, refill the bed and water
to settle the soil around the bulbs.

The flower bud and the food necessary to produce the flower are
present inside a bulb when it is planted. Fertilizer is applied to
make larger bulbs the following year.

Apply phosphorus fertilizer at planting time so it is available to
the roots, because it does not translocate in the soil. Adequate
phosphorus may be supplied with 1/2 pound of 0-46-0 fertilizer (super
phosphate) per 100 square feet.

To improve the texture of the soil, add peat moss or
well-decomposed compost using up to one-third of the volume of soil
removed from the bed as described. Soil amended in this way offers
less resistance to the shoot as it emerges and provides better
aeration and drainage for root growth.

Soils with a high clay content should be heavily amended.

Pagosa Lakes News

School days signal changing
seasons and outdoor color

By Ming Steen

SUN Columnist

Our children went back to school this week. Their vacation is
over; long lazy days with not much to keep their attention are all
over.

Now, as they return to school, the recreation center has become
very quiet. We are glad for the chance to slow down, but we miss the
liveliness and energy of our youngsters.

We had a wonderful summer filled with 15-hour-long days of
classes, people pursuing individual fitness programs, families
playing together and young children - hundreds of them - learning to
swim better. Our summer swim programs most definitely top my list of
highlights.

What's not to be happy about when you are around excited,
enthusiastic and bright-eyed youngsters? I would like to have the
child within stay with me for the rest of my life so I can avoid
being jaded and crabby as I grow older. I delight in being a child
when it's appropriate to be a child. I delight in being a wise older
woman when it's appropriate to be a wise older woman.

Have you seen the xeriscape garden at the recreation center? It's
very attractive and kudos to Dave Kenyon, Larry Lynch and his capable
crew. Come by the recreation center when you are out walking.

This is my favorite time of year. I love the crisp morning air,
the urgency of enjoying the last few comfortable days outdoors and
the anticipation of snow - any day. No time to waste.

I'm gathering rosebuds while I may, for the glory of flowers too
soon is past and summer has too short a lease. A hike into the high
country beckons and the wildflowers are still in their glory.

If you are a leaf peeper you may have already noticed a slight
yellowing of some leaves. I wonder what kind of fall foliage show we
will have this year.

Besides what nature holds, there are other highlights of this time
of summer, namely the Four Corners Folk Festival and the beginning of
training for a number of high school and junior high school athletic
teams.

Proceeds from this year's Pagosa Lakes Triathlon were donated to
the Pagosa Springs Running Club. The money was used to cover expenses
of a trip to the Great Sand Dunes where some training, but mostly
team-building activities were conducted.

The pool at the recreation center will be closed for five days in
September for general cleaning and minor repairs. Mark these dates on
your calendar: Sept. 13-17. The rest of the facility will remain
open, as will the exercise classes.

Sorry for the inconvenience but try to use this opportunity to get
out into the back country and hike the trails. Watch the colors
change in the trees.

Have you noticed spiders are moving in with the colder nights? A
recent article from my birth country, Malaysia, reports a 24-year-old
Malaysian woman moving in with scorpions.

The young lady moved into a glass box with 6,000 scorpions at a
shopping mall 40 miles east of my birth village and she apparently
showed no signs of fear as the scorpions crawled all over her body.

She was monitored by medical staff and officials from Guinness
World Records. The current record is held by a young Thai lady who
was stung nine times while she lived in a glass room with more than
3,000 scorpions for 32 days in 2002.

My country woman has my best wishes in her attempt to set a new
Guinness World Record.

Obituaries

Juanita Salazar

Juanita Maria Martinez Salazar, a beloved mother and grandmother,
died Aug. 15, 2004, surrounded by her family. She was 80.

She was born Aug. 21, 1923, in Trujillo to Lucas and Maria
Martinez. She married Lazaro Salazar in Trujillo on Sept. 14, 1941.

She is survived by her children, Felix (Monica), Irene (Tony),
Mary Anne (Javier), Eppie (Linda), Edna (Tony); seven grandchildren,
nine great-grandchildren; two sisters, Corina Martinez Valdez and
Dolores (Tomas) Perez; four brothers, Andy (Eva), Moses (Clara),
Wilfred (Maryann) and Lucas (Marlene); one sister-in-law, Lydia
Martinez; and a brother-in-law, Bennie Martinez. She was preceded in
death by her parents and husband, two brothers, Manuel and Rupert,
and a sister, Clara.

Mrs. Salazar was a founder of the Guadalupana Society in the late
1960s. She started the group with 15 members and there are now 55.

Her family extends loving thanks to Care Source Hospice,
especially Pat, for service in time of need.

Interment was in Pagosa Springs on Wednesday, Aug. 18.

A Mass in her memory will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 27, at
St. Ann's Catholic Church, 450 E. 2100 South, Salt Lake City, Utah,
where family and friends may visit 7-8 p.m. In lieu of flowers
donations may be made to the family.

Ruth E. James

Ruth Elaine James died Aug. 21, 2004, in Durango, Colo., after
several years of declining health.

She was born Aug. 7, 1925, in Greybull, Wyo., to Arlie E. and Ruth
Otey Roberts, the third of their four children. She was educated in
Greybull, graduating with the Class of 1943. She attended the
University of Wyoming for one year and went on to attend St. Luke's
School of Nursing in Denver. She was a Junior Cadet Nurse for the
United States armed forces while enrolled. She was unable to complete
the program due to ill health.

She later taught in a small country school on the John Lampman
Bear Creek Ranch at the foot of the Big Horn Mountains, 40 miles from
Greybull. She also worked in retailing and public relations, until
marrying and becoming a homemaker. She enjoyed playing the piano,
needlework, painting and porcelain doll making.

She married John T. James on Aug. 22, 1948, in Greybull. They
moved to Casper, Wyo., soon after, where they lived and raised their
family. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church. After
the death of her husband in 1988, she was a leader of the Bereavement
Support Group to Central Wyoming Hospice. Mrs. James lived in Casper
until February 2003 when she moved to Pagosa Springs.

Preceded by the death of her husband in 1988, she is survived by
three daughters: Sherry Cram of Cheyenne, Wyo., Dianne Park of
Casper, Wyo., and Susan James of Pagosa Springs; three brothers:
Arlie E. Roberts of Casper, Eugene Roberts of Gold Beach, Ore., and
Jack Roberts of Columbus, Neb.; six grandchildren and numerous nieces
and nephews.

Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 28, at the
First United Methodist Church in Casper, Wyo. Her ashes will be
interred next to her husband in Highland Cemetery. In lieu of
flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to
Central Wyoming Hospice, 316 Wilson, Casper, WY 82601 or the Rocky
Mountain Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation, 2280 S. Albion St.,
Denver, CO 80222-4906.

Clarence R. Nigh

Clarence R. Nigh passed away on Aug. 18, 2004, at the Veterans
Center in Monte Vista, Colo., where he had been a patient the past 15
months with complications of Alzheimer's.

He was born in Woodson County, Kan., Aug. 3, 1925, and after
graduating from high school attended naval air training in California
and then returned to attend the University of Oklahoma in Norman.

He became a seismologist working for Petty Geophysical of San
Antonio and worked in 10 U.S. states and in Colombia, Peru, Mexico,
Australia and six different countries on the African continent.

He and his wife, Bonnie Jean, retired to Pagosa Springs in 1986
and built their home here.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years; son Rick and wife Bonnie
of Norman, Okla.; daughter Colleen and husband David Letchford of
Houston; son Mike and wife Ann Nigh of Waller, Texas; three
grandchildren, Christopher, Tessa and Harrison Letchford of Houston;
and a sister, Beth Foushee, of Katy, Texas.

He was an avid airplane modeler and flyer, loved to fish and
square danced for many years.

Colorado Loan Consultants offers both
commercial and residential funding for borrowers. Because of their
extensive network of investors, they are able to offer possibilities
that are not available from other sources.

Commercial packages include leasing options,
accounts receivable and inventory, and a variety of options on real
estate purchase and business start up financing.

Residential loans range from raw land loans,
purchase, refinance, home equity and second or investment
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Because of their low overhead, the costs are
very low to the consumer. They believe that an informed borrower will
make the right decision on their financing options.

Call 731-3770. Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

People

Preview
Profile

Cliff Jaramillo

Waste water plant operator and
plant manager, Pagosa Area Water and Sanitation District.

Where were you born?

"Durango, Colorado."

Where did you go to school?

"Silverton, Colorado."

When did you arrive in Pagosa
Springs?

"February of 2003."

What did you do before you arrived
here?

"Reclamation and underground mining in
Silverton."

What are your job
responsibilities?

"Treating wastewater."

What are the most enjoyable and least
enjoyable aspects of your job?

"I enjoy working with the ladies in the
office. The least enjoyable part of my job is dealing with the
wastewater."

What is your family
background?

"I come from a long line of miners."

What do you like best about the
community?

"The area."

What are your other interests?

"I enjoy outdoor activities, hunting,
fishing, etc."

Cards of
Thanks

4-H Chuck Wagon

Whoo-wee! The Archuleta County 4-Hr's put on the dog once again at
the annual 4-H Chuck Wagon Dinner.

A huge thank you to those 825 hungry folks who graced our feast
and supported such a worthwhile organization. Absolutely all profits
go directly into funding the many programs and projects available to
4-H members.

The survival of such an organization depends entirely on the
generous spirit of local businesses and residents. Many thanks to the
following who helped in immeasurable ways:

Without the effort and support of this wonderful community on
behalf of our children, golden opportunities such as 4-H would be a
notion rather than a reality.

Countless 4-H members and their families worked tirelessly to make
this year's event a smashing success. You graciously demonstrated
your commitment to both your children and our community. I am truly
grateful for the gift of your time and talents.

Mary Nickels

A special cop

While on vacation in Pagosa Springs, we had car trouble. Everyone
saw the yellow VW thang sitting along the road.

A very nice cop stopped to help us. His name was Floyd Capistrant.
He took my husband for parts and stayed with us until we were able to
get back on the road.

We said our thanks and we are looking forward to the next trip as
this has been our vacation spot since 1984.

I'm sure all of the police department would have been there for
us, but we were lucky to have met just "one special one." Let us
again say thank you, Floyd.

Betty and Jean Holliman

Columbus, Miss., and

Janice and Junior Haynes,

Sulligent, Ala.

Celebration

Thank you Pagosa Springs. The second-year anniversary and
volunteer recognition celebration for the community center was well
attended and delightful. Many thanks to all who came and brought food
especially to Grace Evangelical Church for the 20 pounds of potato
salad - it was delicious and we ran out. Kudos to the entertainers -
John Graves, Rev. John Bowe, TAPS dancers, Ladies Barber Shop
Quartet, members of "The Hills Are Alive...!" - John and Oteka
Bernard, John Nash-Putnam and Veronica Zeiler. They were phenomenal.

Our sincere thanks, too, to our newly-recruited volunteers who
served food throughout the evening - Gail Reilly and husband, Marvin
Sacks; Emily Wood and Elvina Hamby from Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Above all, many thanks to Mayor Ross Aragon and board members Sally
Hameister, Jan Brookshier, Mamie Lynch and Dawnie Silva for all their
support and hard work; the center is a reality. Last but not least,
thanks to all my staff and help for putting up such a great event -
Pauline Benetti, Ashley Walkup, Karen Carpenter, Dennis Ford and
other guys from town.

Mercy E. Korsgren

Weddings

Morris-Burk

The families of Teresa Morris and Raymond
Burk would like to announce their upcoming wedding, Aug. 29, 2004, at
the home of Raymond's grandmother, Elaine Nossaman, at 4 p.m. Friends
are cordially invited. Gifts will be greatly appreciated but a money
tree will be most appreciated, too.

Sports Page

Golfers cut scores with home
event; learn fast

By Richard Walter

Staff Writer

Pagosa Springs High School golfers got a
two-day initiation into the world of prep athletics Thursday and
Friday.

And opening day jitters for 10 players, only
one of whom saw any tournament action last year, gave way to better
marks the second day.

Coach Mark Faber's squad finished 10th in a
field of 11 Thursday and eighth in a field of nine Friday in their
home debut and only home appearance of the year.

Faber said the squad was perhaps taken aback
by the veteran field in Durango, with only Darin Prokop, shooting as
the team's No. 1, finishing in the field's top scorers with an
87.

With 10 players on the course, the team took
only the top three for final score determination. Joey Bergman and
Ben DeVoti each hit the century mark for Pirates. Tim Kamholz fired
103, Cody Bahn and Clayton King each had 110, Tye Fehrenbacher was in
at 112, Michael Spitler at 121, Michael Bradford at 122 and Caleb
Burggraaf at 127.

Pagosa's 290 team score was eclipsed by
tournament winner Fruita Monument which shot a 222 and had the event
medalist who shot a 68 on the par 72 layout.

Coming home the following day brought
overall team scores down, but the opposition also fired lower marks.

Freshman Joey Bergman, shooting as the
Pirates' No. 2, led the squad with a 90. Kamholz was in at 95,
cutting eight strokes off his opening day mark. Prokop, with two
problem holes, went up to a 97. Spitler cut 23 strokes off his
opening day performance, to finish at 98. King was in at 101,
Bradford at 104, Fehrenbacher at 106, Josh Pringle at 115 and
Burggraaf at 119.

The smaller fields allowed the Pirates to
field two separate teams of five players "which can only benefit us
as the season progresses," Faber said.

"The more playing time these youngsters can
get under tournament conditions, the better our chances down the
line," the coach said.

He was "very pleased" with the day to day
improvement in the first two tournaments of the season.

"We went from just one under 100 the first
day to four golfers below the century mark the second day," he noted,
"and it wasn't all because they were playing at home.

"Some of the kids saw others doing things
they knew they could do and went out and did it themselves," he said.
"We had players who realized being young isn't a handicap in this
game, that gaining experience by watching the veterans is a prime
consideration that will make the team better."

He said the team has 11 players battling for
varsity roles but scheduling problems may limit the number who see
action in the balance of the season.

The scheduled overnighter two-day tournament
in Montrose this week has been switched to Sept. 16 and 17 and in the
meantime coaches were attempting to set up a match with
Montezuma-Cortez today to keep the action rolling.

In addition, the Pirates will travel to
Monte Vista Sept. 7, a game inadvertently left off the schedule
released by the school.

And, because of the Montrose switch, the
Pirates will not be playing Buena Vista and Salida tournaments
scheduled the same dates.

They will still play the Cedaredge and Delta
Invitationals Sept. 2 and 3, and will play the Rye Invitational at
Holly Dot Sept. 14.

Regional competition will be Sept. 23 at the
latter course and state playoffs are scheduled Oct. 4 and 5 at
Country Club of Colorado in Colorado Springs.

Faber saluted the staff and owners of Pagosa
Golf Course for the layout's condition for the home tournament, the
parents of players who volunteered in many ways to assist the
tournament operation, especially in golf carting players to their
starting assignments in the shotgun start and Kathy Faber for keeping
all the coursewide details in control.

And, he said he liked "the pace the players
were able to keep. They saw they were shooting better the second day
than the first, and responded accordingly. We're getting better every
day in practice, but we have to keep in mind our foes will have the
same chances to improve."

It was a tough pair of tournaments to open
with, he said, "but we showed we can learn. Now we have to see where
it takes us."

Four tie for first in PWGA
'rough day'

By Lynne Allison

Special to The SUN

The Pagosa Women's Golf Association featured
a "rough day" format for league day Aug. 17.

One point was assessed for each time a
player hit the ball into the rough. The players with the fewest
points won.

The four women tied for first with 12 points
were Linda Duplissey, Sue Martin, Maxine Pechin and Jay
Wilson.

The association sent eight players to Dalton
Ranch Golf Club in Durango Aug. 19 for team play. They garnered 39
1/2 points against Cortez Conquistador.

Sanborn, team captain, said she was "very
pleased with the team's performance considering the difficulty of the
course and the challenging weather conditions."

The team is currently in fourth place in the
eight-team league, with three matches to play.

The next match will be played Sept. 2 at
Hillcrest in Durango against Riverview.

Correction

A scrambling of paragraphs last week created
wrong score listings for the PWGA Club championships.

In the first flight, the first gross was
Sheila Rogers, 183 and second gross Nancy Chitwood, 191.

First net was Loretta Campuzano, 137 and
second net Marilyn Pruter, 149;

Second flight first gross was Linda
Duplissey, 213 and second gross Sue Martin, 215; First net was Maxine
Pechin, 138 and second net Jody Lawrence, 142.

In special events, longest drive, second
flight on No. 6 Ponderosa went to Jody Lawrence and closest to the
pin, all flights, No. 8 Ponderosa was Jane Stewart.

United Way golf tourney is
Saturday

You can sign up now for the sixth annual
United Way Golf Tournament.

This year's format is a four-person
Scramble. There will be an open flight, a couples' flight with two
men and two women, and a new "let's just have fun" flight for the
golfer (or non-golfer) who plays once every two years.

There is a flight for everyone to
participate in this event scheduled to start 9 a.m. Saturday, Aug.
28.

The Pagosa Springs Golf Course can help you
put your team together. If you don't have a team or a handicap, the
golf shop will place you on a squad.

For golf club members the fee is $30 with
$10 going directly to United Way of Archuleta County. For nonmembers,
the fee is $65 which includes greens fee and cart along with a
donation of $10 to United Way. Everybody gets lunch, coffee and
doughnuts.

There will be various contests and golf
giveaways along with silent auction items.

Sign up your team or yourself by calling
731-4755.

Hatfield treats his golf foes
like McCoys

By Rich Broom

Special to The SUN

Russ Hatfield is on a roll in local men's
golf competition.

In the weekly group low gross and low net
competition, Hatfield took low gross with a 71. Second low gross was
a 73 by last week's winner, Rick Baker.

Third and fourth low gross were taken by Jim
Miner and Casey Belarde with 77 and 80 respectively.

Low net was garnered by the local "Dirt
Man," Don Ford, with a net 63. Tom Bish, Carl Carmen and Ed "Great"
Day followed at 68, 69 and 70 nets to complete the money list with 24
participants in this week's competition.

Hatfield also won the club championship over
the weekend, shooting a gross 141 over 36 holes to complete his week
in the spotlight.

The men's golf group plays every Wednesday
at 1 p.m. and is open to golfers of all skill levels. Sign up in the
men's locker room at Pagosa Golf Club or call the pro shop at
731-4755 before 5 p.m. the Tuesday before each day of play.

Football Pirates face Durango
in Saturday scrimmage

By Tom Carosello

Staff Writer

They're almost here.

Bleachers mottled with kaleidoscope patterns
of black and gold.

The unmistakable, sweet scent of freshly-cut
grass.

A stadium backdrop of mountain tops gilded
by a setting sun.

Yes, it's nearly football season once
more.

For Pirate fans, the anticipation will come
to an official end when Pagosa Springs welcomes the Gunnison Cowboys
to Golden Peaks Stadium for the 7 p.m. home opener Sept. 3.

Those who have to scratch the gridiron itch
a little sooner, however, can travel to Durango High School tomorrow
to watch Head Coach Sean O'Donnell's squad take part in a three-way
clash with the Durango Demons and the Dolores Bears in a 6 p.m.
scrimmage.

The preseason contest will give the Pirates
a chance to put their new "spread" offense to the test, and will help
O'Donnell decide who to pencil in - and where - for next Friday's
season opener.

"We still have a few positions open - at
running back, offensive line and defensive line - and this will give
us a good feeling for who is going to fill those spots," said
O'Donnell.

"We'll also get a first look at how our new
offensive scheme works against someone other than ourselves,"
concluded O'Donnell.

Look for a detailed offensive/defensive
breakdowns of this year's varsity Pirate football team in next week's
edition of The SUN.

Varsity schedule

After opening at home against Gunnison, the
Pirates will host the Montezuma/Cortez Panthers in Golden Peaks
Stadium at 7 p.m. Sept. 10. The Panthers come to town looking to
avenge a 27-6 home loss to the Pirates last season.

O'Donnell's squad will then travel to
Montrose Sept. 17 for a 7 p.m. clash with the Indians. The teams have
split their last two contests, with Pagosa earning a 49-28 victory at
Montrose in 2002, and the Indians posting a 37-15 win on the Pirates'
home turf last season.

Pagosa hits the road again Sept. 24 to take
on the Taos, N.M. Tigers in a 7 p.m. contest. The Pirates will have
to slow down the Tigers' strong running game, which last year
contributed heavily to a 42-20 win at Golden Peaks Stadium.

Pagosa begins Intermountain League action
the following week with an Oct. 1 home game against the Bayfield
Wolverines. Last year's battle went down to the wire, and the
Wolverines were able to hang on to a 25-22 win over the visiting
Pirates.

Pagosa then travels over Wolf Creek Pass to
face league rival Monte Vista on the road Oct. 8 at 7 p.m. Last
year's contest in Golden Peaks Stadium ended 28-20 in favor of
Pagosa.

The Pirates will temporarily depart from
their IML schedule Oct. 15 to face the Alamosa Maroons at 4 p.m.
Pagosa will be looking for a little payback against the Maroons, who
defeated the host Pirates 33-19 in last year's duel.

The Pirates then return for their final,
regular-season home game against the Ignacio Bobcats, which is
scheduled for Oct. 22 at 7 p.m. Last year's result: a 24-0 Pirate win
in Ignacio.

The IML and regular-season finale for the
Pirates will take place on the road Oct. 30 when Pagosa travels to
face the Centauri Falcons at 1 p.m. The Pirates topped the Falcons in
Golden Peaks Stadium last year by a final margin of 25-22.

Saturday scrimmage brings
regional volleyball teams to town

By Karl Isberg

Staff Writer

With limited time to prepare for the
upcoming regular volleyball season, the Pirates take the opportunity
Saturday to test themselves in preseason scrimmages against regional
teams.

The Pirates will host the Four Corners
Scrimmage for the first time. There will be 10 teams at the
scrimmage, including the Pirates. The lineup includes Durango,
Cortez, Bayfield, Ignacio, Alamosa, Mancos, Sargent and Sangre de
Cristo.

Varsity teams will play at the junior high
school gym, allowing bleacher space for spectators. Junior varsity
teams will compete at the high school.

Each varsity match will last 30 minutes and,
by rule of the Colorado High School Activities Association, must be
unscored.

The contests will allow the Pirates to work
out wrinkles prior to the Sept. 2 season opener at Cortez.

The Pirates face Durango in their first
match of the day, at 9 a.m.

Pagosa returns tested veterans to the court
this season and coach Penné Hamilton has been pleased thus far
with their work at practice and with the play of many during the
local summer club season.

Hamilton thinks the Intermountain League
schedule this year will provide some varied tests for her team, and
quality non-league opponents should prepare her players to compete at
a high level.

The Intermountain league could see some
changes in the way teams finish, compared to last season.

Pagosa got off to a rough start last year
and finished third in the standings. Ignacio captured the 2003 IML
crown, with Bayfield coming in second. Pagosa was third as the season
ended.

The district championship was another
matter, however, with Pagosa taking first place and Ignacio second.
Those two teams advanced to regional play where both were
defeated.

Both Bayfield and Ignacio featured
senior-dominated lineups last year and the two teams will suffer the
greatest losses to graduation. Bayfield lost five of six starters,
while Ignacio graduated nine players, including the team's top
hitters and setter.

Monte Vista, too, suffered some attrition.
The Pirates from the San Luis Valley lost five players to graduation
including their top setter and blocker, and two top hitters.

The teams least affected by the loss of
seniors are Centauri and Pagosa. Centauri will enter the league fray
with a new coach and some experienced players.

Pagosa comes back loaded for bear.

The Pirates' strength in the middle will be
significant. Two seniors - 6-1 Caitlyn Jewell and 5-9 Lori Walkup -
will anchor an attack that could prove the best in several
years.

Walkup will set out of the back row and the
second setter in the scheme will be 5-8 junior Liza Kelley, an
excellent hitter well suited physically and mentally to engineer the
Pirate attack as a setter.

At the strong side hitter slot 5-8 senior
Courtney Steen is back as is 5-11 junior Caitlin Forrest. Kari Beth
Faber, a 5-9 junior can also play at the position.

Senior Bri Scott, at 5-9 brings considerable
court savvy to the right side hitter position.

Hamilton has indicated she will carry these
seven varsity regulars on her roster, then swing seven players from
the junior varsity for each match, varying her selection as
circumstances warrant.

The highlights of the 2004 regular season
might well be the non-league matches on the Pirate schedule. There is
a bevy of 5A and 4A teams ready for competition, including old rivals
Durango and Cortez. Some new rivalries have developed in recent years
- Montrose, Olathe, Colorado Springs Palmer, Lamar and Fowler - and
they will add luster to the season. The Pirates will also take on New
Mexico 3A power Kirtland and 4A Alamosa.

"The schedule is great," said Hamilton, "and
the IML races should be interesting. Ignacio should still have a good
outside attack. Bayfield got Janna Pritchard back as coach and they
return a good, young setter. Monte Vista will return a few kids with
experience, though I'm not sure about their coaching situation.
Centauri didn't have that many losses to graduation and they have a
new coach, Terry Valdez. It should be a good league season.

"I'm excited. I think this team will be good
enough to run some plays for us and I think the intensity is there.
We've talked a lot about the purpose of practice - using practice to
perfect our game and everyone is responding. Our blocking and passing
are coming along fine and we've been working on hitting all week.
We'll go six-on-six this week and we should be ready for the
scrimmage."

Harriers work on endurance,
prepare for home opener

By Tess Noel Baker

Staff Writer

Endurance. That's been the name of the game
up to this point for the Pagosa Springs 2004 Cross Country
team.

"We're just starting to work on strength,
later we'll work on speed and tapering and then we'll face our
biggest races," coach Scott Anderson said. Early races will be the
training ground for a team focused on end-of-the-year goals.
Currently, he said, 22 students are out for the team with both sides
stacked with experienced runners and some new blood.

The girls return their top four state
finishers from last year - juniors Emilie Schur and Heather Dahm and
sophomores Jessica Lynch and Laurel Reinhardt.

"We're also seeing a lot of new faces,"
Anderson said. "There will be some sophomores challenging for a
varsity spot. It's a very good mix of old and new."

For the first time in several years, the
boys' ranks are also full. On that side, juniors Orion Sandoval and
Paul Hostetter return from the 2003 state team and, Anderson said,
two senior track and field runners - Junior Turner and Otis Rand -
will be making the leap to cross country.

That experience will be balanced with, "a
number of new freshmen which we've been lacking. It will be fun to
watch these guys develop over the next couple of years if they stick
with it," he said.

The Pirates will open their season Sept. 4
at home. For a change of pace, this year's course will be run in
Pagosa Lakes through the Ranch Community commons area off Antelope
Drive. Spectators should take North Pagosa Boulevard to Antelope and
watch for parking attendants' signals to park. The start will be at
the east end of Antelope Drive.

Anderson said the figure-8 shaped course
will allow spectators to watch at least three-quarters of the race
from a central hill.

The day will begin with junior high at 9:30
a.m., followed by junior varsity boys and girls at 10 and 10:30
respectively. The girls' varsity teams will leave the start at 11
a.m. and the boys will close out the morning at 11:30.

Multi-team scrimmage Saturday
sets stage for soccer opener

By Richard Walter

Staff Writer

What they thought was the most aggressive
part of preseason was just a warm-up for extensive conditioning
drills.

Coach Lindsey Kurt-Mason's Pagosa Springs
High School soccer team made the annual pilgrimage up Wolf Creek Pass
Friday from Treasure Falls to the summit.

Nineteen of the 29 hopefuls for the team
started the run but only 12 finished. Kurt-Mason was pleased with the
time, 1 hour, 30 minutes for the eight-mile uphill jaunt, but was
pushing the team for better conditioning when practice started Monday
afternoon.

Drill after drill emphasized building
stamina, foot movement, being quickest to the ball and beating your
teammate down field.

"If you can beat your quickest teammate", he
shouted, "he's not in shape yet."

With the season opener against Manitou
Springs lurking on Saturday, Sept. 4, Kurt-Mason is pushing the squad
with a vengeance.

Starters on both sides will have to earn
their stripes, he said. "No one can come in and feel he has the team
made. Everyone will earn every minute of playing time he
gets."

Toward the end of determining who the
varsity players will be, the Pirates will host a multi-team scrimmage
Saturday at Golden Peaks Stadium.

Durango, Aztec, Alamosa and Bayfield have
confirmed they'll be on hand and two other schools are trying to get
clearance to attend.

"We'll keep the action going on two fields
all the time, starting at 9 a.m.," the coach said. Teams will play
two 25-minute halves with only five-minute halftime breaks.

The action is scheduled to continue until 3
p.m.

This could be the make-or-break chance for
any squad hopeful to prove he belongs the coach told his team -
before putting them into stretching drills.

Kurt-Mason said he's been very impressed in
early practices by the skills shown by several of his freshman
candidates. "Since we have no junior high feeder program", he said,
"I'm sure in most cases its the outgrowth of the summer club
program.

"Endurance, however, is going to be the key
factor," he said, "with good footwork and good skills resulting from
that endurance training."

On the first day of school for the new year,
Kurt-Mason was about to welcome several new candidates for the team.
Some had missed early registration, some had not turned in mandatory
forms and some had only recently arrived in the community.

But all were about to find out what being in
shape means.

Run, dart, in and out, slow, roll, dive,
keep up the pace. Show what it means to be a Pirate.

"We have a good idea who can do what right
now," the coach said, "but the Saturday scrimmage may well show us
some things we need to work on and some things we do better than
expected."

The final selections for varsity will be
made in part on the evaluation of scrimmage performance, practice
workouts Tuesday and Wednesday, and degree of spirit shown.

For the past three years, Pagosa has opened
the season against Manitou Springs and one of the Colorado Springs
teams on the Front Range. This is the first time the Mustangs have
come to the Pirates' den.

"We've had great, close, defensive games
against them, winning them all," Kurt-Mason said, "and I expect the
same here."

The squad will return to action Tuesday,
Sept. 7, with a visit to Cortez for a 4 p.m. start and then round out
the first week of the season on the road, playing Roaring Fork in
Carbondale at 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 9, and state-ranked Basalt at 11
a.m. the following day.

Basalt made it to state quarterfinals last
year before losing a 1-0 heartbreaker "and they have their whole team
back," said Kurt-Mason.

Parks &
Rec

Put us on your calendar; late
registrations a problem

By Joe Lister Jr.

SUN Columnist

Parents we need your help.

Every year, every season, we have an influx
of late sign-ups. We did a survey in 2000 of what it would take to
make our programs better. Number one on everyone's list, was getting
word out to the public. We've had suggestions like working through
the schools, radio, bulletin boards and a sports hotline.

Well, for the past three years, or since I
have been with the department, we have done everything possible,
including putting our home phone numbers and cell numbers on our
business cards.

Things seem to never change and we are
always blamed for people not following instructions on signing up
kids for activities.

Put the following on your calendars as
approximate dates to call your recreation supervisor for times to
come by town hall and sign up for recreational programs. Please
remember we do not sponsor any of the local club sports. However, we
do have some knowledge of the activities of the private club sports
that are popping up for our young athletes:

- Aug. 1 - sign-up for youth soccer.

- September - adult volleyball.

- October - Sign up for youth basketball, 7-
and 8-year-olds.

- December - Sign up youth basketball 9-10,
11-13 age groups.

- January - adult basketball.

- February - spring volleyball.

- March - youth baseball sign-up.

- April - Tee-ball.

- May - youth baseball, adult softball.

- June-July - Park Fun.

- August - youth soccer.

Please put our phone numbers on your
calendars; and if you are ever in doubt, call.

We have to secure uniforms, field/gym space,
practice times, and deal with numerous scheduling nightmares, and all
can easily be taken care of if we don't have so many late sign-ups.

We are at your mercy because, in the end,
the athletes will suffer from the fallout of late registrations.

Town Hall number is 264-4151. Extension 232
is the recreation department; Ext. 233 is the parks department. Ext.
231 is the parks and recreation director. Our sports hotline is
264-6658

Thank you for your consideration, and put us
on your calendar.

Stressed-out kids

A 2001 study by the National Alliance for
Youth Sports found that 70 percent of American kids who sign up for
sports quit by the time they were 13. The reason? They said it wasn't
fun anymore.

So how do a mom or dad avoid becoming a
crazed, overbearing sports parent with a stressed-out, unhappy child?
Here's some advice:

- Reward your child whether the team wins or
loses.

- If you have a complaint or concern, raise
it at an appropriate time, not in the middle of a game.

- Applaud when either team makes a good
play.

- Praise effort.

- Respect the referee's calls.

- Sit back and enjoy the game for what it
is, (don't get too caught up in scores or statistics).

- Ask your child, "Was it fun?" before "Did
you win?"

The 12 most important reasons I play my best
sport (consensus of 5,000 young athletes).

Girls: To have fun; to stay in shape; to get
exercise; to improve skills; to do something I'm good at; to be a
part of a team; for the excitement of competition; to learn new
skills; for the team spirit; for the challenge; to go to a higher
level; to win.

Boys: To have fun; to improve skills; for
the excitement of competition; to do something I'm good at; to stay
in shape; for the challenge of competition; to be part of a team; to
win; to go to a high level of competition; to get exercise; to learn
new skills; for the team spirit.

Youth soccer

Sign-ups for the 2004 youth soccer league
season have ended. Teams have been formed and practices have begun.

We are excited to begin our leagues with over 300 children participating, ages 5-13. The recreation department will continue to take names on a waiting list but no players will be added until a full team is formed.

Cost per player is $20 ($10 for each
additional child)

We continue to look for business
sponsorships. The sponsorship is $150 which includes plaque with team
picture, signage and designation in newspaper. The sponsorship is tax
deductible. Call Myles Gabel at 264-4151, Ext. 232, if
interested.

Open
volleyball/leagues

Fall volleyball leagues are right around the
corner. Start putting your teams together now for the upcoming
season.

Managers' meeting for coed and women's
volleyball will be 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 1, at Town Hall.

Post softball
meeting

We want to schedule a meeting for those who
would like to provide input concerning our adult softball leagues in
the future.

Please put in writing any item you would
like to see added to an agenda, bring to Town Hall or send to
m.gabel@centurytel.net.

We will compile these agenda items and
schedule a general meeting for all to attend in the near future. It
is our hope that we will be able to present a softball program that
everyone has a part in helping to make enjoyable and
successful.

Uniform return

The Pagosa Springs Parks and Recreation
Department has made a huge effort to outfit your children in NBA
and/or MLB replica jerseys this past year. While a majority of the
uniforms have been returned, many have not. If we must purchase new
jerseys next year, our fees will have to be increased for your
children's programs.

If your children still have their basketball
or baseball jerseys/pants, please return them to the recreation
department as soon as possible.

Now hiring

The Pagosa Springs Recreation Department
continues to seek individuals interested in officiating soccer. High
School students may apply. Compensation is $15- $25 per game,
depending on experience.

A new school year has begun and with it, no
doubt, will come the unending dialogue concerning the state of public
education. Bar-ring an unlikely turnabout in this election year, the
furor surrounding public education will remain at high volume. There
are certifiable problems, in particular in core urban areas and some
rural outposts, but the uproar is designed to merely spin around the
difficulties and likely makes them worse. Damage is being done
everywhere, by many parties, and no one seems eager to stop
it.

Quality public education can exist only when
the major players are in sync with one another, sincerely determined
to improve the system: educators, politicians and bureaucrats,
parents of students and the voting public. At this point, there is no
synchrony, little sincerity, only noise.

The failure of politicians is so obvious it
hardly merits notice. For decades, one mandate has followed another,
most of them woefully underfunded, each a political horse saddled and
ridden by manipulative characters tweaking an emotional public,
squeezing out votes with blustery rhetoric uninformed by real
experience in the world of education. Federal and state regulations
erode local control of education; the onslaught produces wasteful
systems buried in paperwork, rules that demand huge amounts of money
be spent to support a school day for a single youngster at the
expense of many, schemes in which some youngsters are kept in school
far beyond the normal term, many against their will. The latest
legislated fiascoes - No Child Left Behind and Colorado's CSAP
testing program - were created more to curry favor with a cranky
electorate than to deal effectively with problems. Both deprive local
districts of control and, thus, rob districts of guidance from
within.

We have, as a prime example of this
tomfoolery, a politician running for the highest office in the land
who, after noting more funding could be sent to the disaster known as
No Child Left Behind, adds that teachers' feet "will be held to the
fire."

What incredible cynicism this is. What
staggering arrogance is displayed here, considering that, in school
districts like our own, the vast majority of teachers are not only
highly qualified individuals working for less than they deserve, but
are extraordinarily dedicated to the education and well being of our
youngsters.

The cynicism of the remark is obvious in the
fact the vote seeker never mentions holding the feet of parents to
the fire, when it is parents who must be held most responsible for
the decline of public education. There has been far too much negative
parental pressure on schools and classrooms, too much excusing of
poor behavior and habits, too many instances of an inability to
demand responsible, productive activity from children, too little
willingness to discipline children and to allow them to be
disciplined. We live in a culture in which more and more children
dominate family life and the downline corrosive effect on education
is profound.

The voter is also responsible for the
current condition of public education: the voter who puts inept
politicians in position to legislate in harmful ways; the voter who
elects local officials who tolerate and defend mediocrity; the voters
who are unwilling to serve and work for improvement. If real progress
is to be made, voters must reject candidates who will produce more
restrictions and burdens, unseat legislators who work late into the
night to find ways to deprive local school boards of power to run
their districts, dismiss local school board members who fail to
promote high standards and achievement by administrators, staff and
students alike.

Yes, there is a crisis in education in the
country; public education is threatened on all fronts and it must be
saved. There are many feet that must be held to the fire if it is to
be repaired and to survive.

Karl Isberg

Pacing
Pagosa

Communication rules the
day

By Richard Walter

Staff Writer

A menacing miniature mutt stares up from a
hardwood floor under a label saying "If Looks Could Kill."

Across the bottom is printed the reprimand:
"Ya never printed his letter to da Editor!"

We get mail, all kinds of mail, here in
Pagosa's pulse center. Most is readable, some printable, some
incoherent, some so libelous as to be tossed out immediately.

We get criticism, mistakes called to our
attention, and occasionally, a letter not for publication but
resounding with credit for a "job well done."

When readers understand what goes into the
newspaper every week and take a moment out of their own busy day to
let us know they liked something, it makes the job more
worthwhile.

Even pointing out a slight omission, with an
expression of thanks for what we do, can convert an otherwise grumbly
day into a shinier one.

An example of that came Tuesday morning when
Donna Kiister called about an article last week when I discussed the
prospects for the Pagosa Springs High School soccer team and noted
eight seniors had been lost to graduation from last year's
team.

A true mother, she noted nine seniors,
including her son, Casey, had departed the team. She's absolutely
right. I somehow overlooked him in my notes.

But her added comment that we have done an
outstanding job of covering high school athletics and she looks
forward to the paper every week, eased the guilt and increased the
reason for doing what we do.

There have been other letters about other
topics, letters pleading for us to investigate sales tax gouging in a
local restaurant but to not identify the complainant; letters
indicating the writer had proof that so and so was having an affair
with so-and-so and the public has a right to know; letters suggesting
feature stories we'd already done; letters asking for help in getting
writing careers started by publishing their manuscript of
world-shaking importance.

Yep, we get letters, and I've come to
believe it is because we treat everyone as an equal, even it if it
cannot be printed.

As do those of us who pen columns weekly,
every reader has a point of view, one which we may not agree
with.

Every week with our Letters to the Editor
there appears a box stating the maximum length is 500 words. And
every week we get letters which go way over the limit - often from
people who are completely aware of the length rule but obviously feel
we'll make an exception in their case because their topic is so
vital.

Letters, telephone calls, faxes, e-mails by
the dozens pour in every day and each cries for the personal
attention of a member of our staff. Often the missive is keying us in
to something we were not previously aware of, or something we had
been seeking more information about.

We like to think everyone is a part of our
newspaper team because we believe The SUN is our readers'
paper.

We like to present all the sides in a
discussion of issues. But do not expect us to accept libelous
material for publication.

Legacies

90 years ago

Taken from Pagosa Springs New Era files of August 28, 1914

The Catholic Church is being dressed up in new white paint, A. D.
Griswold modiste.

C.A. McCartney of Oklahoma has purchased ranches of Bob Coryell
and Dr. Barnes on Weminuche and will maintain a summer home there.

The Long-Day grocery firm has dissolved and the business will be
carried on by Mrs. Mary Brown-Long. Patronize her once and you will
be sure to go back.

The 8-year-old son of Pet Crowley of Chromo was kicked Wednesday
evening by a horse and his cheek bone and nose were broken.

Be sure to come in and subscribe or renew your subscription to the
Sun before the $1.50 per year price goes into effect.

75 years ago

Taken from SUN files of August 30, 1929

While traveling to town Sunday at a high rate of speed, Jess
Garvey failed to make the turn at the light plant corner below town,
ran his car into the hill and turned over. As a result the car was
badly damaged and he sustained a badly cut foot.

County Superintendent of Schools Myrtle DeFoe last Friday issued
diplomas to Gertrude Kingsley of District 12 and Lloyd Junior Clark
of District 21, who this summer completed their eighth grade work and
successfully passed the state examination.

Between sixty and seventy participated in the annual Hoosier
picnic dinner and meeting held Sunday at the ranch home of Judge and
Mrs. F.A. Byrne west of town.

50 years ago

Taken from SUN files of August 27, 1954

Work on the new school building is progressing more rapidly the
past week with the arrival of additional masons. The fact that the
roof is complete over part of the building also makes it possible for
the interior work in that part of the building to go ahead while
walls are being laid on the remainder of the structure.

The Volunteer Fire Department has been undergoing some intensive
training and instruction in fire fighting and other subjects of
interest to firemen. The fire department is strictly volunteer and
the firemen do not receive any pay for fires, drills or the
instruction sessions. The local fire department has a very good
record in the town and their constant efforts to improve the
equipment and enlarge upon their knowledge is a credit to the town.

25 years ago

Taken from SUN files of August 30, 1979

Local schools have opened and have again experienced a gain in
enrollment. The enrollment of 922 students is the largest in the
history of the school.

Fishing is improving, according to the fishermen who are lucky,
and some nice catches have been reported out of many of the streams
in the area. Water is low, fly fishing is good, and the best fishing
spots certainly are not crowded.

George Yamaguchi is retiring from Jackisch Drug after 47 years
with that establishment. He started there as a high school student
and after obtaining his license as a pharmacist has been with three
owners of the business. He is probably the longest time employee of
any business in the county.

Features

Growing Pains

Club focuses on challenges of
gardening on the Western Slope

By Tess Noel Baker

Staff Writer

"To promote enjoyment of gardening.

"To promote fellowship among fellow
gardeners."

Those were the two goals founders of
Pagosa's Mountain High Garden Club set nearly a year ago when working
to organize the group.

"We listed four objectives," club president
Frances Wholf said, "to have fun, with an exclamation point; to share
information about gardening in general and the Rocky Mountains in
particular; to sponsor appropriate service projects that will enhance
the beauty of Pagosa Springs; to acquire continuing education in the
area of gardening including, but not limited to workshops, guest
speakers and garden tours."

So far, so good.

"I've definitely enjoyed the camaraderie and
the people and I think we've learned a lot from each other and the
speakers," Wholf said. She and Barbara Bush, who knew each other from
an investment club, started talking about a the need to resurrect a
community garden club in the spring of 2003.

Both had suffered through trying to coax
plants to grow in Pagosa Country with the challenges of clay soil, an
abbreviated growing season and dry climate. Both had participated in
master gardener classes and recognized a local need. Both had also
been involved with garden clubs before. Wholf in Missouri and Bush in
Evergreen, Colorado. They pulled in Chris Hostetter and Shari
Gustafson, creating a steering committee for organization.

Today, there are between 40 and 50 garden
club members - it costs just $5 in dues for the year. They meet the
first Wednesday of every month, except for December and January, from
10 a.m.-noon, usually at the Extension building, to discuss all
things plants. Each meeting features a speaker or a field trip.
Topics over the last year have included: water features, house
plants, vegetables, indoor planting, insects and control, putting a
garden to bed in the fall, landscaping and design and bulbs.

Wholf said the group started by asking
members for input on speakers. They also pulled in information
available at the Extension service. From there, one topic would spark
interest in another with most presenters donating their time. The
executive committee uses the downtime in December and January to plan
for the next year.

"The most popular meetings so far have been
our little field trips," Gustafson said. "Everyone gets excited and
inspired." Still, attendance sits at an average of 25 or more for all
the meetings.

"Another time we all brought plants and
seeds and traded them," Wholf said. Resources, magazines, pamphlets
and personal experiences are shared back and forth. Plus, the group
publishes a newsletter periodically, "The Garden Club News," to keep
members up to date on events. The most recent one, sent out in July,
featured information on a field trip, buying perennials, gardening
books and a suggested potting soil mix for container
gardening.

"A lot of the members know a lot of
different things, so it's a nice mix," Hostetter said.

Barb Palmer, who joined the group this
spring after moving to Pagosa from Vermont, said despite her love for
plants, the challenges of growing things on the western slope led her
to seek out help quickly.

"It's an entirely different gardening
structure here," she said. "When we moved, our lot wasn't landscaped,
but I didn't know what to do with the hard clay - how to amend the
soil and what I could grow here."

She's found information gleaned from the
speakers and other garden club members equally valuable.

"They've had excellent programs, very
helpful," she said. "And I've enjoying the socializing, getting to
meet other gardeners - other people who are passionate about
plants."

Palmer's situation is fairly common.

"So many people come in and say, 'I don't
understand how to put anything in the ground and keep it alive,'"
Hostetter said.

The answer, Wholf said, is simple and
repeated so often it's almost become a joke.

"Amend the soil. Amend the soil. Amend the
soil."

This month, the group completed its first
fund-raiser - a plant sale that netted about $400 for a community
service project.

Gustafson, Wholf and Hostetter said a
committee has been formed to look at various options for local
gardening projects. The group is hoping to work in coordination with
the town to find a spot perfect for beautification.

"We want to take on some more public,
visible projects to help get the word out about the garden club,
Gustafson said. "There are several locations around town that would
make good candidates that we might be able to plant and keep doing
from then on. We have lots of enthusiasm for sweat equity and
community kinds of things."

Herbs will be the topic for the next two
garden club meetings. Wholf said speaker Jennie Blechman, a certified
clinical herbalist, will address the subject of medicinal herbs,
Sept. 1. In October, Blechman will return to discuss culinary herbs.
That meeting may also include a tasting party.

For more information, call Hostetter at
731-6900 or 946-7092.

Pagosa's
Past

The seeds of a love of history

John M. Motter

Staff Writer

I have always been interested in history,
defined in my mind as "where did these people come from, where did
they go, and why?" How did I acquire such an approach to life?

When I was a young boy of 10 or so in
Oregon, our nearest neighbor lived more than a mile away. We had a
few cows, horses, and goats which, since there were few fences,
wandered far and wide through the wilderness. My job was to find the
cows and goats and bring them in each evening for milking. I became a
good enough tracker to follow their footprints and find them.

A bonus while wandering the wilderness in my
search for the livestock was to run across the remains of an
abandoned homestead. Most of these contained the remnants of one or
more buildings, other debris, and a few domestic flowers and fruit
trees. The flowers were mostly hollyhocks and old fashioned roses.
The fruit trees were always badly in need of pruning but could be
apples, pears, peaches, plums or even cherries. All did well in
southern Oregon.

I looked at the shattered remnants and
wondered, who were those people? What dreams brought them here? What
happened to force them to leave? I was well aware of my own parent's
dreams, how they had left drought stricken Kansas during the
depression and how they struggled to acquire enough money for a
"place of our own." Didn't those people, now long gone and forgotten,
have the same dreams?

The place I remember most favorably
contained 10 unimproved acres, small rolling hills covered by
manzanita, oak brush, wild lilacs, and a few fir and pine trees. The
road in was an undulating, unimproved dirt path. When rain fell, low
places became small creeks, normally not too much of a challenge for
the 1934 Pontiac sedan we drove with its high clearance.

On the property was a three-room log cabin
without electricity, telephone, or water. We had never heard of
propane or other gasses as a fuel. The house was heated with wood.
Mom cooked on a wood-burning range. The first thing dad did was build
an outhouse. He was a lumber grader and lumber was cheap in those
days, the lowest grade available for nothing. If people didn't haul
it off, it was burned in the burner. He used the low grade, free
lumber to build first the outhouse, then a shed for storing hay and
to provide a place in which to milk the cow. Then he set about
digging a well with hand tools. He got down about 10 feet into
hardpan and so we had water during winter and spring. During the
summer we hauled water.

Somehow, my memories of living on that
property at New Hope are good ones even though we had almost nothing
that cost money. I remember the 10 acres purchased from a man named
Alcorn cost only $275. Even that small amount was hard to come by.
Personally, as a 10-year-old, I don't remember seeing money. I do
remember the "Monkey Wards" catalogs. Each year just before school
started, mom had us stand on a piece of cardboard on which she traced
the outline of our bare foot. The tracing was mailed to Wards and
pretty soon a pair of shoes and our other school clothing arrived in
the mail. I went barefoot all summer.

Incidentally, school was a three-mile walk,
each way. The school building contained one class room, one teacher
and eight grades.

In any case, I understood my parents' dreams
and watched them struggle to try to make them happen. When I chanced
across an abandoned home site, I understood that those people must
have struggled the same way. And so a desire to know where people
came from and where they went grew inside me, nurtured in my adult
years as I moved about the West and discovered abandoned home sites
almost everywhere.

Pagosa Country is no exception. Drive the
back roads and you'll still see small log cabins, scarcely more than
dugouts. When I moved here about 1969 or 1970 there were many more
buildings fitting that description than there are today. Thirty years
ago there were more old-timers who could help me learn who had been
there, where they had gone, and why.

My story is not at all unique. Many of the
old-timers I knew in Pagosa grew up much as I did - no electricity,
telephone, or running water, lots of chores to do and lots of time
spent outside. In fact, the conditions I've described were quite
normal for rural America immediately before and after WW II. Those
years were the late 1930s and early 1940s. That's not so long ago,
but it seems so far removed from the present as to be unreal.

Who knows? Maybe at some future date someone
will be looking at the remnants of our homes and wonder who we were
and where we went? Quien sabe?

Next week we'll look at some telltale
evidence of local Hispanic history, as seen on a trip from Pagosa
Springs south down the Chama River Valley.